Niles ‘Gas’
Gage was one of the more popular drivers at Oxford Plains
Speedway in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Whether it be
behind the wheel of a Ford or a Chrysler, Niles’ steady
driving style would find him near the front at the end of the
feature race.
Niles won back-to-back Sportsman track championships at
Oxford Plains in 1968 and 1969. He not only won races at his
home track but Niles visited victory lane at Unity Raceway,
Speedway 95 in Bangor and in Connecticut.
When the NASCAR Grand National Division (now the NASCAR Cup
Series) visited Oxford Plains in 1969, Niles drove a borrowed
car to a 13th place finish in the 300-lap event. The following
February, Niles drove a car owned by Bob and Dick Bahre at
Daytona International Speedway.
Niles’ successful racing career was cut short by heart
disease but even then, he made history. Following three heart
attacks in 1970, Niles had the first open heart surgery of its
kind televised live on public television in 1972.
Niles ‘Gas’ Gage Jr. passed away in January 2001.
