After an enduring season of racing across the New England region, the Granite State Pro Stock Series (GSPSS) is set to crown the 2016 champion this Saturday, Oct. 22., at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.
The 3/8 mile Shoreline oval will play host to the Super Late Model Series in a 75 lap main event that will decide a championship battle that currently has two veterans at the top.
Belchertown, Mass. driver Barry Gray holds a 26 point advantage over Conway, N.H. native D.J. Shaw, who was also recently crowned the PASS champion for 2016. Gray has little experience at the Speedbowl, but is hoping to seal the deal in his No. 29. Though he is not a GSPSS champion, Gray has won championships in racing before.
“The past championship experience helps, but I’ve really only run Waterford a few times,” Gray said. “I can’t tell you how many times D.J. has run there but I know everywhere they go they are fast. My hat goes off to them. I just have to have some patience, but I’ve won a race for a long time every year and I haven’t won yet this year. I’m going there to win.”
On the other side, Shaw knows he will have to do everything he can and hope that Gray stumbles if he is going to win the title. But, he has the confidence in his team. They missed two races on the 2016 campaign and they are still in the fight.
“We need to stay out of trouble, last year we didn’t finish because we had a mechanical issue,” Shaw said. “Whether it be getting caught up in someone else’s mess or some bad luck, we need to finish and we need to finish towards the front to have a chance.”
The entry list for the event include multiple outsiders who will hope to capture the trophy. Brandon Turbush of Manorville, N.Y. has entered, along with names like defending race winner Derek Ramstrom, Corey Bubar, Jeff Pearl and former multiple time Seekonk Speedway Super Late Model champion David Darling.
Series regulars Cory Casagrande, Mike Parks, Mike Mitchell and reigning series champion going into the weekend Derek Griffith have also entered.
As an added bonus for drivers, The Racing Guys -- Dick Williams and the supporters of the Tri Track Open Modified Series -- have put up some bonus money for the event. The winner will receive an extra $125, while second place will pocket an extra $100.
Third place will also collect an added $75. There will also be two random selections of drivers from positions four through 24. Each of the two drivers will receive $75.
The GSPSS wishes to thank The Racing Guys for coming on board for the second straight season and providing some extra cash for drivers to chase.
The Granite State Pro Stock Series will have just a one day show on Saturday. Teams may not practice as part of the Friday afternoon practice session.
Saturday, grandstand gates open at 12 p.m., just in time for the only GSPSS practice of the weekend from 12-12:45 p.m. Heat racing begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by the feature racing.
All grandstand tickets are $40 and will be accepted both for Saturday's racing and Sunday's Tri Track Open Modified Series show.
QUICK FACTS: GSPSS 100 at New London-Waterford Speedbowl
Track Facts:
1 3/8 mile asphalt oval located in Waterford, Conn.
2 Runs weekly on Saturday night as part of NASCAR sanction
3 Owned by Bruce Bemer
Race Facts:
1 $2,000 to win feature
2 75 lap main event
3 12 lap heat races
4 24 guaranteed starters
Event Schedule:
1 GSPSS practice from 12-12:45 p.m.
2 Heats begin at 1 p.m. -- GSPSS is last in the order
3 GSPSS is 14th in the feature order (Feature racing begins approx. 3:30 p.m.)
Source: Granite State Pro Stock Series Media Press Release
Source: Granite State Pro Stock Series Media Press Release
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