OXFORD – Two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup race winner and Newburgh native Ricky Craven has signed on to compete in the 34th annual TD Banknorth 250 on Sunday, July 30 at Oxford Plains Speedway, according to a press release from the track.

Craven, the 1991 Oxford 250 champion, will race the No. 25 car furnished by Johnny Clark Motorsports of Farmingdale.

“What a thrill it is to be coming home to race in the TD Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway,” said Craven. “Ever since I won the race in 1991, I always wanted to come back and compete in the 250. Due to my Nextel Cup, Busch Series, and Craftsman Truck obligations, it just never worked out. I’m so glad it’s possible this year, and I am happy to be working with a team like Johnny Clark Motorsports who will give me a chance to win it again.”

Craven’s 1991 victory capped an amazing season where he won 10 of 21 NASCAR Busch North Series events which was capped with the series championship.

Craven last competed in the Oxford 250 in 1992, when he finished 24th.

Clark, who finished second in last year’s race, is excited to be teammates with the Maine racing standout.

“It is going to be awesome preparing a ride for one of my first racing heroes and being his teammate in the race,” said Clark. “I grew up cheering for Ricky here in Maine and then watching all his NASCAR races when our own racing schedule allowed it. He has been a mentor to me, and nothing would be more of a dream than for us to finish one-two together on July 30.”

Last season, Craven raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Roush Racing, finishing 14th in points and scoring his first truck victory at Martinsville Speedway, Va. in the fall. He parted ways with the team at the end of the season in hopes of landing a full-time Nextel Cup ride.

NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers are no strangers to the 3/8-mile oval of Oxford Plains Speedway. Last year, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch competed in the race with Kenseth placing 16th and Busch in sixth. In 2004, Kenseth and then-teammate Kurt Busch raced with Kenseth finishing third and the elder Busch placing 13th.

Turner’s Mike Rowe won his record-tying third Oxford 250 crown last year.

Track owner Bill Ryan was also excited to have Craven in the race.

“I’ve been hoping to see Ricky enter the TD Banknorth 250 since I came on board for the 1999 season,” Ryan said. “So, it’s gratifying for us and exciting for our fans that he is joining us and hooking up with such a proven, winning team. I’m also as anxious as everyone to see if any other NASCAR Nextel Cup stars will enter the race.”

Tickets for the TD Banknorth 250 can be purchased at the Speedway office or by calling 539-8865 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.