A former NASCAR driver who is running for Congress this year plans to return to the racetrack in October to raise money that he says will “benefit the community of Lewiston as we approach one year since the tragic shooting.”

Republican Austin Theriault, a state representative from Fort Kent, said he will participate in the Pro All Stars Series 400 weekend at Oxford Plains Speedway on Oct. 19 and 20.

“As we approach the first anniversary of the Lewiston tragedy, I want to do something to honor the victims, survivors and surrounding communities,” Theriault said. “I’m dedicating the race weekend to #LewistonStrong and raising funds to support the community’s rebuilding efforts.”

“It’s going to be a great weekend,” Theriault said during an online announcement of his plan. “I hope to win the race, but at the end of the day, I’d like to raise about $50,000 towards giving back to the victims,” the candidate said.

Theriault hopes to unseat three-term Democrat Jared Golden of Lewiston, who has represented Maine’s 2nd District in the U.S. House since defeating Republican Bruce Poliquin in 2018.

Lewiston is recovering from the Oct. 25, 2023, mass shooting that left 18 people dead and 13 physically wounded, some severely. Many other people were traumatized by the shootings. More than $7 million has been raised to help the victims and community so far.