thompsonThompson, CT- Dillon Moltz and Brad Babb took the checkers in their respective heat races at the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP).

Greg Nanigian and Moltz kicked off the season for the Granite State Pro Stock Series (GSPSS) as they brought the field to green in the first heat, where the RB Performance Chevrolet of Moltz jumped to the lead. The field checked up when Ron Smith spun coming off turn 4, letting Moltz go uncontested until Mike Parks brought out the caution with a spin off the same corner. Moltz had a new dancing partner with Larry Gelinas at his door on the restart, but the result was still the same as Moltz lead start to finish to record the youngster’s first checkered flag in the series. After qualifying, Moltz added “The car is real good. We’re only going to make a small adjustment for Sunday, but overall the race went well.” Gelinas would hold off a hard charging Mike O’Sullivan, who started dead last on the field to finish third. Two-time defending ACT champion Wayne Helliwell, JR, who was fastest in second practice took the fourth spot, while last year’s Icebreaker winner George Bessette settled into fifth.

In the second heat, Windham, ME driver Brad Babb took advantage of his second starting spot to jump out to an early lead, but Jeff Connors powered his Cassagrande Builders Chevrolet from the seventh starting spot to fill Babb’s rear view mirror in the closing laps. Connors dove to the inside of Babb multiple times, but Babb proved to have just enough as youth prevailed on the day, with Babb taking the second heat. Connors settled for second, with Milbury, MA native Keith Caruso giving a strong run with his new automobile, finishing in the third spot. Fastest in first practice, Matt Frahm nabbed the fourth spot, with Barry Gray rounding out the top five.

With their respective wins in the heat races, Moltz and Babb picked up $25 from MacLellan Metal Finishing and 5 gallons of Sunoco Race Fuels as part of the 2014 Contingency Program with the series.

The Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park continues Sunday, as the Granite State Pro Stock Series will run a 50 lap feature to conclude the first race of the season. The GSPSS will take part in a Fan Appreciation Party, beginning at 10:30AM on the front stretch at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. Pre-race ceremonies are scheduled to start at noon on Sunday, with feature racing to follow. Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park is located at 205 East Thompson Road in Thompson, CT. Follow the Granite State Pro Stock Series on facebook or follow our twitter account @gsprostocks for updates.