Granite State Pro Stock Series to Crown Champion at New London-Waterford Speedbowl Pro Stocks Return to Facility for Bemer’s Big Show 150
WATERFORD, CT – The Granite State Pro Stock Series’ inaugural trip to New London-Waterford Speedbowl will be a race to remember for at least one driver, as the series’ champion will be crowned at the Bemer’s Big Show 150, on October 24.
Derek Griffith, who has enjoyed a breakout season, leads Barry Gray by 40 points entering the event. Griffith has picked up a total of four wins in this campaign, the most this season by any driver, after earning his first career win in April, at Claremont Speedway.
Griffith is treating the Bemer’s Big Show 150 like any other race, however, saying, “I want to go out there and compete for the win, and if we do well, then we will clinch that championship.”
The Hudson, NH resident is taken back by his team’s success this year, continuing, “Just to be a contender for a championship is huge for me and my whole crew. Two years ago we had struggled to finish a race without body damage, heck we struggled to finish the race. If we do go get the championship, it’s just proof that when you put your mind, and put a lot of effort into something, and you have some good people behind, you anything can happen.”
Gray has had a successful season as well. The Belchertown, MA driver has not finished worse than ninth all season, and has added a win at Monadnock Speedway in May. Gray also owns four career Granite State Pro Stock Series victories, and needs one more to tie Matt Frahm for the overall lead with five.
As an added bonus to the Bemer’s Big Show 150, James Schaefer and Dick Williams have added a total of $1100 to the Granite State Pro Stock Series’ purse. The winner of the race will receive an extra $200, while the remaining $900 will be divided between the top five Riverhead Raceway and Seekonk Speedway regulars in the field.
Riverhead Raceway driver Jarrod Hayes is eyeing the extra cash, and has been preparing his ride for New London-Waterford Speedbowl, including turning practice laps recently at the facility. Hayes, who has run with the Granite State Pro Stock Series at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, is confident in his debut at New London-Waterford Speedbowl, commenting, “I’ve never raced there, but I adapt quickly to other tracks. If I didn’t think I have some kind of chance, I’d stay home. I don’t show up for 4th place.”