Homer Drew

Competitor
CLASS OF 2000

Homer Drew drove his first race in 1955, at the Oxford Plains Speedway, but he went on to make Beech Ridge his home track. It was there that he won an impressive five championships, the first coming in 1967 in the Class A division. The following season he took down championships in both Class A and Class B divisions. He won another Class B championship in 1972 and his 3rd Class A championship in 1973.

Drew won an estimated 400 features in his career, and is the only driver to have won at all six Maine tracks; Beech Ridge, Oxford Plains, Unity Speedway, Arundel Speedway, Speedway 95 and Wiscasset Raceway.

Oxford’s Getty Open was an open comp series held in the early 70s, and Drew dominated the series. On four different occasions, Homer blew his motor during the race, and was able to coast across the line and into victory lane. In 1972 alone, he won five of the seven 100 lap Getty Open races.

A story that epitomizes Homer’s career happened in his familiar red #P38. While leading a modified race for longtime owner Bob Bushey, Sr., the steering wheel came off in Drew’s hands. Using his bare hands on the steering column hub, Drew held on for six laps, until he got a red flag. When he pulled into the pits, Bushey asked his driver why he was pitting. Homer handed him the steering wheel. Bushey quickly returned to the car, and handed Homer a pair of vice grips. Homer not only went back out and finished the race, but he took down the victory, steering the car with the vice grips.

Homer Drew passed away on February 14, 2005.