RPW Exclusive: Top New England Drivers Ready For North American Pro Stock Nationals At Lee USA
Column By: STEPHEN DURHAM / RPW – LEE, NH – One of the biggest races in New England is set to take place at Lee USA Speedway this week, luring in the biggest names of the pro stocks on the East Coast.
The North American Pro Stock Nationals have exceeded 40 entries so far for this weekend. Practice for the 200 lap race will begin Friday, May 17th, as entrants will get two hours of practice time.
So far, drivers such as Max Cookson, Joey Polewarczyk, Ryan Kuhn, Jimmy Renfrew Jr., and others have entered the race this weekend. One big name that will be missing that originally was entered for the weekend was Bubba Pollard, but a rough start of the season will keep him from making the trip northward.
For those getting ready for the big weekend though, it has been a highly anticipated race, and is just one of several big races coming up in New England for 2024.
“It’s a huge race for the New England short track scene. Super happy that short track racing in New England is growing and building stronger with huge shows,” Ryan Kuhn, a former Pro All Star Series champion says.
“This race is a huge deal for the New England area, and racing in general. Lee is putting up a lot of money so it’s great seeing how much support they are getting,” Joey Polewarczyk, a former American Canadian Tour series champion says.
“It’s bringing a lot of big names up into New England and into New Hampshire, it’s really great for the area and for Lee. I expect a big showing of a crowd, and the competition to be tough,” Derek Griffith, a former PASS champion says.
For all these talented drivers, they expect there to be challenges, between competition and an abrasive track.
“I hope they have a good turnout and I think it’s gonna be a challenge for a 200 lap race at that track. You’re going to have to save your stuff for sure,” Jimmy Renfrew Jr. says.
“200 laps is a lot at Lee, but we get a full tire pit stop, so that should help. Either way though, taking care of your equipment will be a key factor in how you finish,” Polewarczyk says.
One driver, defending Pro All Star Series champion Max Cookson, is ready to do battle.
“We feel we have a great chance with our Hamke car, really excited to get to the track. Hopefully we can get the cards to fall our way, and leave with the 30,000,” Cookson explains.
Two nights of racing are set to begin Friday night, featuring the NELCAR Legends and Bandolaros, Super Streets, STAR Tour, and crown vics. The pro stocks will get two hours of practice as well, beginning at 3PM on Friday.
For Saturday,the racing card will feature the pure stocks, six shooters, ridge runners, New England Dwarf Car Series, and the Pro Stocks. Practice will begin at approximately 4:15PM with heat races.
The Pro Stock Nationals will set the starting lineup for the first 20 positions by 2 laps through time trials Saturday afternoon. Next six positions will be set by the top 6 finishers of the consi race, with two more spots decided by track provisionals. That leads to a total of a 28 car field.
The weather for Friday night looks to be dry for racing at Lee USA Speedway, with temperatures falling down into the lower 50s, possibly upper 40s by Saturday morning. There is a chance for morning showers or drizzle across the area, but expect drying into Saturday afternoon. If a rain date is needed, it is Sunday, May 19th. Catch the racing action live at the track or online through RaceDayTV.com.
