OXFORD – Two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Terry Labonte has entered his name into the record 167-driver entry list for the 34th annual TD Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

“I’m excited to get back to Oxford and be part of that great TD Banknorth 250 tradition,” said Labonte, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas. “My family has roots in the Rumford area, and I’ve always been fortunate to have a lot of friends and fans up there. It’s a race I have always wanted to win, and I believe this is going to be my best chance yet.”

The one-day race is scheduled for Sunday, July 22. The winner will pocket $25,000.

Labonte, 50, will compete in a car prepared by Richard Moody Racing of Auburn. He’ll be teammates with two-time race winner Ben Rowe of Turner.

It will be his fourth start in the race, last competing in 1992 with a best finish of 17th.

“Terry Labonte is one of the great ambassadors of the sport, and it’s a thrill to welcome him back to Oxford Plains Speedway,” said track owner Bill Ryan. “His record speaks for itself. He is a true champion, and the TD Banknorth 250 is certainly a race of champions again this year. This goes to show that you never know who may decide to give it a shot.”

Labonte’s father, Bob, was born and raised in western Maine before relocating to the south.

The father-son team of Mike Rowe and Ben Rowe also has entered the TD Banknorth 250.

The elder Rowe, a three-time race winner, will pilot a car prepared by Jerry Hicks of Ontario and Mike Lux of Arundel.

“I am looking forward to this year’s TD Banknorth 250,” said Mike Rowe.

Ben Rowe, a two-time winner, will drive for Richard Moody Racing.

“It’s great to have Mike and Ben Rowe in the TD Banknorth 250. The Rowe family obviously comes to mind when you think of Oxford and think of this race,” added Ryan. “You could already look down the list of entries and check off at least 50 or 60 drivers you might think are capable of winning the race, and now you can add two more.”

Last year’s race winner, Jeremie Whorff of Bath, has also entered his name for the 250.