DIXFIELD — Central and western Maine is blessed to have several aspiring young racers making their mark on the sport of short track stock car racing at an early age.

At only 17, Dixfield native Shelby Shurtleff is one of those bright young stars with loads of raw talent, good skills and the determination to succeed. The 2015 Ladies division champion at Oxford Plains Speedway is enjoying another strong season in 2017, with a win and six top-five finishes in seven starts.

Shurtleff notched that first feature win of the year on July 26, vaulting her into the points lead. With only six races remaining, it’s a position she’d like to hold until the final checkered flag waves on Saturday, Sept. 9.

“We’ve worked hard on our program all season, so that win was pretty rewarding” Shurtleff said. “A lot of time and effort goes into it, just like any weekly race team requires. I’m sorry that Maggie crashed and had a bad points night, yet I’m fortunate to be in a position to capitalize. I hope we can hang on.”

Shurtleff got her start in racing back in 2010 at the tender age of 10. She’s a graduate of the popular “Whiz Kidz” class at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Scarborough. While central Maine has Oxford’s Acceleration Series as a productive learning environment, southern Maine has the Whiz Kidz. 

“I really enjoyed competing in that class, it was a great place to learn how to race,” Shurtleff explained. “From there, I moved into Mini Cup racing up in Kingfield at Jordan’s Raceway. I started there in 2013, won a few races, and in 2014 I won all 10 races and the championship. It was an amazing season.” 

Shurtleff also raced at Oxford part-time in 2014, finishing 10th in final points. 

A tough wreck near the end of last season brought a big challenge for Shurtleff’s race team. Her car was destroyed, yet there was still a points race left to run. The situation looked bleak, so they went to work.

“When I wrecked so hard last October in that non-points race, it really put us in a bind,” Shurtleff said. “My father and his friend Perry actually built me a new car in two weeks. They pulled the roll cage and the engine out of the old one, and I was all set up to go for the season finale.

“As we’ve raced it this year, everything is still new and we’re still trying to figure a few things out. It has really been working out well for us, so I’m happy with it.”

Along with a well-built car and adequate horsepower, Shurtleff has made significant gains in the way she adapts to changing track conditions. On July 26, she had to use great patience as she worked her way into the lead using that often-tricky outside groove. She’s getting good at experimenting with lines.

“I used to look up to Missy Morgan, following her and trying to learn from her lines,” Shurtleff said. “In every race, I’m out there just trying to find what works best on that night. I like trying new lines to learn what works and what doesn’t. I feel that helps improve my skills as a driver.”

Like every other successful weekly racer here in northern New England and across America, Shurtleff has a core group of people responsible for her program. Nobody wins races by themselves, at any level.

“I really have to thank my father, Wil, because without him, I wouldn’t be racing. It literally is his hard work that makes this possible,” Shurtleff said. “I also appreciate the hard work of Perry Belea, who helped build my new car and does so much for us. My sister Miranda is very supportive, as well. I’m very blessed.”

Shurtleff also has a few valued marketing partners that make being competitive a whole lot easier.

“We’re fortunate to have Hotel Rumford on board, and of course, Wil’s Auto Body in Dixfield. I’m thankful to have support from David Walker/Racing for a Cure. David has been very good to us and we sure appreciate all he does,” Shurtleff said.

“Our other partners are Mike Rowe & Sons Trucking, and J&P Masonry. It’s an honor to have such great people behind me in this program. I’m deeply grateful for all of them.”

As the 2017 season begins to wind down and that September points finale draws near, Shurtleff says the focus will remain the same.

“We’re just going to take it week-to-week and try for the best possible finishes. If we do that, the points will take care of themselves,” she said. “I’d love to earn a second title within three years at just 17, that would be amazing.”

Shurtleff realizes that her life at 17 is pretty golden, yet the future may unfold in any number of ways.

“Next year, I’m going to college and will be focused on school and my job. So things will be different,” she said. “This year, now that I’m in the points lead, we’ll definitely focus on staying there. I know it’ll be tough.

“Wherever we end up, it’s already been a good summer spending time at the track with my dad. Life will change down the road, but times like these when we do well creates memories I’ll cherish forever.”

pwhipple@sunjournal.com

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