Walpole, NH- With the 2015 schedule fast approaching; the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) kicking off the 11-race series on April 10-12, drivers are preparing their rides in hopes of a strong season with the Granite State Pro Stock Series (GSPSS).
Tommy “The Shadow” O’Sullivan’s 2014 season did not meet his standards, even though the Wilbraham, MA driver finished in the Top 10 in points (7th) and recorded six (6) Top 10 finishes. “We made changes that didn’t work out last year, and ended up struggling the whole year, with both cars actually,” O’Sullivan said, speaking of his brother’s car, 2013 champ Mike O’Sullivan. “This year we are going back to what we know to get back on track.”
With Claremont back on the schedule in 2015, O’Sullivan has that race circled on his list. “I’ve never been to Claremont, so that will be interesting, but I’m also looking forward to Lee, for sure. We went backwards, performance-wise, at Monadnock, so we are hoping to turn that around from last year.”
O’Sullivan is quick to recognize the people behind the scenes, as well. “Mike Fields builds the motors and is the Crew Chief. Frankly, I wouldn’t be able to race without him and what he does for me,” admits O’Sullivan. “Alex grab is our main guy on both cars. He’s invaluable. Mark Hilton, Rick Petig, Bob Polumbo, Paul Nadeau, my nephew, Chris Buffone, and, of course, Bob Fill, who builds the chassis, and helps with everything.”
Another driver looking to add to his 2014 race season is Cory Casagrande. The 2012 Stafford Motor Speedway Limited Late Model champ, and 2013 Rookie of the Year in the Late Models tested the Pro Stock waters last year, running two races (Hudson, Monadnock) while sharing the ride with Jeff Connors, who ran the two TSMP events on the schedule.
“Thompson (TSMP) is close to home, real fast, and I love racing there,” the soon-to-be 21-year old Casagrande mentioned. “Driving for the Connors last year really helped me get the experience of a new type of car and tire, and, hopefully, set us up to run even better this year.”
Casagrande will, once again, be sharing his Shark Cycle-sponsored ride with a teammate in 2015, as SK Lite driver Bob Charland will assume driving duties at selected tracks.