OXFORD – Nextel Cup points leader Matt Kenseth will race in the Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway, giving a boost to an event long billed as the nation’s richest short-track race.

Kenseth will race on July 18 when most NASCAR drivers will be getting a weekend of rest between the Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway and the New England 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Kenseth will drive a Pro Stock furnished by Bill Whorff Jr. and Jeremie Whorff of Whorff Motorsports in West Bath.

The decision by Kenseth to come to Oxford Plains Speedway brings star power to an event that has been overshadowed in recent years by the success of the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H.

NASCAR’s reigning champion said he looks forward to racing on the short track where many top racers cut their teeth.

“I have heard great things about the race from my fellow Nextel Cup racers that have competed there in the past,” he said. “I know the competition will be stiff, but I am coming to the Banknorth 250 to win.”

Speedway owner Bill Ryan Jr. said other big names in NASCAR may decide to race at the short track because it’s an off weekend.

The race is held under the lights at the three-eighths mile oval, which has seating for more than 13,000. A guaranteed winner’s purse of $25,000 can double with another $25,000 in lap leader bonus money.