NASCAR’s Kenseth returning to Oxford 250

OXFORD – Matt Kenseth, the 2003 Nextel Cup points champion, will return to Oxford Plains Speedway for the Banknorth 250 which will be held on Sunday, July 31, the track announced Thursday.

Kenseth and Roush Racing teammate Kurt Busch, who was last year’s Nextel Cup points champion, took advantage of an off weekend in the Cup series to enter last year’s Banknorth 250.

Kenseth started last (41st) via a provisional but wound up third, becoming just the third driver in the 31-year history of the race to go from last to a top-three finish. Busch crossed the finish line 13th after starting 35th.

Kenseth will again drive a car supplied by Topsham’s Bill Whorff and his Whorff Motorsports team.

“I had a great time at the Banknorth 250 last year,” said Kenseth in a press release. “Racing from the back of the pack to third was a thrill. I’m hoping that now I’ve become a little more familiar with the track that I can help Whorff Motorsports get to Victory Lane on July 31st.”