BY BILL STEWART

Staff Writer

George Fernald, Jr. is ready to walk away from Unity Raceway at the end of the season.

Fernald, who leases the track from owner Ralph Nason, said he doesn’t plan to run the track next year.

The decision comes as Fernald, 48, of Benton, faces growing debt as well as charges stemming from an incident at the track June 17.

“We are struggling this year,” Fernald said. “I’ve spent $11,000 out of my own money on the track. We’ve come to a point where it’s not worth it anymore. I’ve done the best I could. But at some point you have to draw the line, and we’ve reached that point.”

Fernald was also arrested on assault and failure to sign a summons charges after the John Phippen Memorial race at the track on June 17.

According to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department, Tim Turner, 45, of Freedom, and Fernald had a disagreement after the race. Fernald said he took exception with how Tim’s son, driver Dylan Turner, ran the Late Model race.

Tim Turner dismissed Fernald’s complaint and the two had to be separated after allegedly making contact with one another.

Fernald was subsequently issued a summons, but he refused to sign it unless Tim Turner was written one as well. Fernald was then arrested.

“I was in the middle of an argument,” Fernald said. “It was something stupid. It escalated into a yelling match. I did not hit anyone. But I refused to sign the ticket so they arrested me. It’s the first time I’ve ever been cuffed.”

Fernald said the incident occurred after Dylan Turner lost control of his Late Model coming out of Turn 4. Fernald said Turner and his crew blamed Frank Moulton for what happened on the track.

Tim Turner declined comment when reached for this story.

When asked if he regretted what happened, Fernald replied, “No, not at all. I did nothing wrong.”

Fernald is scheduled to appear at Belfast District Court on July 17.

Unity Raceway owner Ralph Nason said he supports Fernald.

“George has a temper but there are eye witnesses that said George didn’t assault that guy,” Nason said. “I support him.”

Nason added that he “hasn’t given it much thought” what he would do with the track should Fernald step aside at the end of the season.

“There are other people interested,” he said. “I haven’t really thought about it. If the weather straightens out, he may change his mind. But there are a few people who’ve showed some interest.”

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Want to buy a race track?

If so, then the 35-acre Wiscasset Raceway can be yours at a foreclosure auction, scheduled for July 12.

The Keenan Auction Company is hosting a tour of the facility, which has been dark for two seasons, today from 10 a.m. to 11:30.

The track, which opened in 1969, is still owned by Wiscasset Raceway, LLC and Doug White. However, the Bank of Maine has possession of the property.

“The borrower has lost the rights of the property,” said auctioneer Stef Keenan. “We’ve been hired by the Bank of Maine for the foreclosure auction.”

The bank will foreclose on the property on July 12, the date of the auction. Keenan said he is confident a buyer will come forward. The winning bidder will have to present a $25,000 deposit to Keenan Auction Company on the day of the auction. The balance will then be due within 30 days from July 12.

“I fully expect it to be sold,” Keenan said. “The bank is motivated to sell the property. We expect it will be sold on auction day.”

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Left turns: Farmingdale driver Johnny Clark is second in points to Travis Benjamin, of Morrill, in Pro All Stars Series North. He has four top-five finishes, including two victories, in five points races. The tour is at Canaan Field Speedway in Canaan, N.H., on Saturday. … Former Busch series driver Andy Santerre, of Cherryfield, is coming to Speedway 95 in Hermon on July 12. Santerre is the competition director for Hattori Racing in K and N Pro Series East.

Bill Stewart — 621-5640

bstewart@centralmaine.com