DavesPaper.com | by David Ireland | August 22, 2025
Speedway 95, a staple of Maine’s motorsports community since the 1960s, has entered a new era. Longtime owner Delano “Del” Merritt, who has operated the track for the past 15 years, announced Sunday that he has reached an agreement to sell the Hermon racetrack to Maine’s own Ricky Craven, a veteran NASCAR driver and respected broadcaster.
Merritt, who first began working at Speedway 95 in 1968, said the decision to pass the torch was not made lightly but comes at the right time.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent at the track and value the relationships I’ve developed with drivers, crews, fans, sponsors, and staff,” Merritt said. “I believe Ricky is the ideal candidate to take Speedway 95 into the future.”
A Lifelong Dedication
Over his decades at Speedway 95, Merritt worked nearly every position before taking ownership. This past year, he engaged in a series of discussions—both in person and over the phone—with Craven, ultimately leading to the agreement finalized on August 17. Merritt will continue overseeing operations alongside Craven through the remainder of the 2025 season and will provide guidance into 2026.
As the news has begun to sink in among Maine’s auto racing community this week, gratitude for what Merritt has done for the legendary racetrack have been pouring in from fans and drivers alike.
Erik Worster of E-Dubb Racing #11 shared his reaction to the news:
“I was very excited to hear the news that Ricky Craven bought Speedway 95. The track has always meant a lot to me and my family. We’re very thankful for all the years of hard work Del put into it. For Del to be willing to sell the track to Craven is great news for Speedway 95 and the sport of racing. The future is bright!”
A Hometown Champion Returns
The new owner, Ricky Craven of Newburgh, Maine, brings both deep local ties and national racing pedigree to the role. Craven is best remembered for his nail-biting 2003 victory at Darlington Raceway, which remains one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. He is also the only Mainer to win at NASCAR’s highest level.
Craven’s racing journey began as a teenager at Unity Raceway, where he quickly made a name for himself by capturing rookie honors and multiple championships. His career carried him through Wiscasset Speedway, the American Canadian Tour, Oxford Plains Speedway, and the Busch North Series, before he broke through onto the national NASCAR stage. His résumé includes wins across NASCAR’s top three divisions and recognition as Rookie of the Year in multiple series.
Beyond the driver’s seat, Craven also became a familiar face as a NASCAR broadcaster.
Craven’s Vision for Speedway 95
For Craven, the purchase of Speedway 95 is both professional and deeply personal.
“Today is a monumental day for me and my family,” Craven said. “Both my Mom and Dad won races at Speedway 95 in the 1970s. I’ve received both a checkered flag and a black flag from Del during my racing days here, and now we are forever connected through this track.”
Craven said he plans “aggressive” renovations and a multi-phase vision for Speedway 95, including upgrades to the track itself and the surrounding facilities. While details will be revealed later, he emphasized his dedication to honoring the track’s history while building for the future.
What’s Next
The 2025 Speedway 95 season continues through October 12, with Merritt and Craven working side by side to ensure a smooth transition. Fans can expect announcements about renovation and expansion plans in the coming months.
For Merritt, the moment is bittersweet, but he expressed gratitude and optimism.
“Ricky’s passion for this sport and this track makes me confident Speedway 95 is in the best possible hands.”
For Craven, the return to his home track is nothing short of destiny.
