Story By: MIKE PARKS / GRANITE STATE PRO STOCK SERIES – WALPOLE, NH – The Granite State Pro Stock Series kicks off its eighth full season Friday May third at the all new Claremont Motorsports Park.
Over the last several seasons, the historic third mile oval has become the traditional season opener for the series, and that continues in 2019.
Jacob Dore was the winner of this event one year ago but will not be back to defend his crown. Runner up in 2018 Joey Doiron will be back as he tries to improve one spot to open the season. To do so he will have to best a solid group of former champions and winners alike.
Devin O’Connell will kick off defense of his 2018 title as he tries to become the first repeat champion in series history. Also competing will be the series only two time champion Mike O’Sullivan as well as 2016 champ Barry Gray.
A number of local hot shoes will be looking to defend their turf including track record holder Luke Hinkley. Hinkley turned a fast lap of 14.012 seconds in time trials last fall, and will look to earn the Crazy Horse Racing fast time award once again.
Other locals competing will include former track champion Guy Caron, Kyle Welch, Josh King, and Craig Smith who will be in a second Davis Chassis works entry. Two time and defending Claremont Motorsports Park Late Model Sportsman champion Ricky Bly has his new Pro Stock ready for action as well.
Other notables on the entry list include the series most recent winner Ray Christian III, Jimmy Renfrew JR, Matt Frahm, Dennis Spencer and coming out of retirement, Tommy Rosati.
Post time for this event is 7pm and the action will kick off with time trials for the Granite State Pro Stock Series followed by heats and the 100 lap main. If needed the rain date is Sat May 4
NHSTRA Back of the Pack Challange
In a joint announcement today the Granite State Pro Stock Series and the New Hampshire Short Track Racing Association will present the NHSTRA back of the pack challenge. What this will be is for what ever driver sets fast time in the Crazy Horse Race for the pole will have a option to start last.
If the driver excepts the Challenge he will be rewarded with a extra $1000.00 if he wins the main event. GSPSS President Mike Parks stated “this is just a little something to add some more excitement to our program for the fans,
We will get the driver on the PA try to get them in front of the crowd to get them more involved with the process and put the driver on the spot! Drivers have a little ego so when there in front of the crowd and we all know the crowd will want them to take the challenge we will see how big that ego is!”
The GSPSS gets there season under way this Friday May 3rd at the Claremont Motorsports Park. (Rain Date Sat. May 4th)
2019 NHSTRA back of the Pack Challenge
- Friday May 3rd Claremont Motorsports Park 100 Laps
- Sat May 25th Monadnock Speedway 100 Laps
- Friday July 5th Lee USA Speedway 100 Laps
- Sunday July 14th Hudson Int’l Speedway 100 Laps
- Friday Sept 6th Star Speedway 100 Laps