On the Record An Interview with … Tom Curley

If you’re planning on attending the 20th annual True Value Oxford 250 on Sunday and you want thank the man primarily responsible for giving the race back to the fans, then look for the gentlemen with the big smile – the ear-to-ear grin which stretches from Spud Speedway in Limestone all the way to Sonoma Park, Calif.

Tom Curley, you see, is one happy guy.

After growing up in Auburn and watching the Oxford 250 during his youth, Curley, the head honcho behind the successful GM Goodwrench American Canadian Tour, couldn’t believe what had happened to the race during the mid-1980s under NASCAR’s sanctioning.

Now, he’s looking to turn it back around. In the week leading up to this 20th Oxford 250, Curley took time out to go “On the Record” on a variety of subjects.

Bangor Daily News: First off, give us your general thoughts on this final week heading into the 250.

Tom Curley: “Well, I think it’s a goal that we set a couple of years ago when we first started re-entering Oxford. It’s a culmination of a real major part of what I’ve wanted in this business for the last six or seven years. I have a passion for the Oxford 250. It’s the best stock car race of its kind. Many of us promotors have tried to emulate the Oxford 250, my own New England 300 included. Having an opportunity to come in here and do some of the things we do pretty well is a thrill.”

BDN: In your opinion, what had the Oxford 250 turned into under NASCAR’s sanctioning?

T.C.: “I think what happened was `what works down South, doesn’t work up North.’ That doesn’t make it wrong because it works down South. If we go down to Myrtle Beach (S.C.) or South Boston (Va.) and ran heats, people wouldn’t buy into it. You don’t have to bring a whole bunch of southern drivers to make this race successful. The best 250s ever run were in the early 80s when Joey Kourafas and Dave Dion were doing battle.”

BDN: Is the car count going to be more or less than you expected?

T.C.: “I think it’s going to be right about what we were hoping for. We were hoping for between 100 and 120 and we’ll sugar off at about 105. It’ll be up there with the biggest Oxford 250 ever.”

BDN: Where do you see the Oxford 250 going after this year?

T.C.: “I think it’s going to get bigger. We’ve had interest from drivers is Massachusetts and Connecticut, wondering what the rules are…. I think what people are going to see incredibly quality racing. If everybody feels they’ve gotten a fair shake to make the 250 then it’ll take on more of a national scope. We’re not going to pay guys $5,000 guarantees so they can come and wave to the crowd. We’re toying with more creative things, but it’s not going to go backwards.”

BDN: What was going through your mind as you watched the downfall of this race?

T.C.: “Truthfully, I monitored the 250 every year. What I saw was a 250 that was no longer what it was like in ’83, ’84, and ’85. It took a dramatic downslide and that’s what interested me in getting involved. The races weren’t all that bad, but the format stunk.”

BDN: Growing up in Auburn, this must be a special feeling coming back to Oxford this way. Any comment?

T.C.: “It’s a special feeling because we got thrown out of there when the flip of the coin said Bob Bahre had made a decision to go back to NASCAR. I didn’t mope about it and say `My goal in life is to go back to Oxford.’ We set out on a path of survival. I guess this is a case of what goes around, comes around. We got thrown out and learned to live on our own and then Oxford got thrown under the bus (by NASCAR). I guess we’re bretheren that got thrown under the bus and we found each other and decided we were a nice match.”

BDN: What was it like negotiationg with Michael Liberty for your return to Oxford?

T.C.: “He’s like I am. That’s why I got out of NASCAR. They didn’t like my style and I kept fighting for what I believed in – the northern race fans. Michael found himself in the same boat. I’ve got to tell you, with all the ups and downs I’ve had in the years I’ve done this, I can honestly say that Mike Liberty is a joy to work with. With all the things I read about him and heard about him, I can honestly say today he never said one thing to me that he hasn’t fulfilled.”

BDN: The recession has hit New England pretty hard. How have you seen it affecting auto racing in the Northeast?

T.C.: “What’s happened is that the recession took a while to catch up with the auto racing industry. When everybody else was hurting, we coasted along then we got whacked between the eyes. This is the worst year we’ve seen. We feel we have a recession-proof business, but we’re very dependent on sponsors and race teams are dependent on sponsors. The disposable income has been there.”

BDN: What does this mean in regard to the future of the sport on a regional level?

T.C.: “There are major changes goin on, in my opinion. Right now, we’re planning for ’94 and ’95 and what we’re planning on is that we’re in a major (down) cycle and we better address the problems, which are mainly economic. Purses, prices, cost of equipment – getting this stuff back under control again.”

BDN: What interests you about the sport?

T.C.: “I think its a romance business and its a business thats a major role of the dice every time you come into the office. It’s creative and there is a great thrill to motivate those working for you. The business is always changing, you’re never bored, never get mired down in stagnation. From that standpoint, I found it intriguing. It’s a people business and I have tremendous admiration, not only for the people who strap themselves into these things, but the people who work on them Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.”

BDN: You’ll probably be diplomatic, but who is your pick to win the 1993 True Value Oxford 250?

T.C.: “I think Ralph Nason is going to win it. If he doesn’t break down or if he doesn’t wreck, he’s the odds on favorite. Ralph has as good a chance to win this than he’s had in his whole career. I have a little bias here, but here’s a Maine state guy who’s spent 30 years going to those races and he’s been dedicated to ACT. There were years where Ralph and I haven’t agreed on his style, but he’s changed a bit. If he’s going to win it, this is going to be the year.”