PR - Eric LaFleche   Photo - Lindsay Ellison

PR – Eric LaFleche Photo – Lindsay Ellison

(Oxford, ME) – Sometimes in a racers career, satisfaction comes with just being able to get into a race such as the prestigious HP Hood Oxford 250, for a racer such as Derek Griffith; qualifying for his first Oxford 250 was bittersweet.

Griffith, the 19-year-old Hudson, NH native was able to qualify for the main event through a Consolation race win. Griffith would roll-off in the 25th starting position. A lap-7 incident directly ahead of Griffith in turn three and four caused the driver of the No. 12 Hitman Industires/Provencher Insurance Toyota Camry to have to veer off of turn four; making contact with the front stretch wall.

“The lap 7 incident was caused by impatient people, it’s a shame. We had a very fast car all weekend long. The crew busted their tails and our expectations were being able to compete for a podium finish, I mean we know it was our first [Oxford] 250 but we can drive with these guys.” Says Griffith.

Derek brought the car to pit road after the incident and the result was significant front suspension damage to include a bent right-front spindle, and all of the ball joints received damage as well. “The car’s handling was completely gone says Griffith, we did what we could but hanging on to it was tough.”

The race team will be in action on September 3rd as they compete with the Granite State Pro Stock Series. The series makes their maiden-voyage to Wiscasset Speedway in Wiscasset, Maine.

Griffith has never competed at Wiscasset. “I’ve never seen the place, not even on video. We usually do well at tracks we visit for the first time.” Says the 2015 Granite State Pro Stock Series Champion.

You can follow Derek on his Social Media on Facebook at Facebook.com/derekgriffth18 or Twitter at Twitter.com/derekgriffith12 and by going to his website at derekgriffith.com