Drivers Trying to Keep Gelinas in Sights as Granite State Pro Stock Series Heads to Star Speedway
Walpole, NH- Larry Gelinas is firing on all cylinders to begin the 2014 season, and looks to keep the pressure on as the Granite State Pro Stock Series head to Star Speedway June 28.
The Buxton, ME driver has started the new season where he left off in 2013. Gelinas has finished in the top two positions in 5 of his last 6 races, dating back to Riverside Speedway (NH) last year. His second at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park and Monadnock Speedway compliment his win last Sunday at Hudson International Speedway to begin the season quite nicely. Even with his early season success, Gelinas is not ready to engage the cruise control. “You can’t take it for granted,” states Gelinas. “We’ve been lucky to not have mechanical issues so far, but hopefully we can keep doing this!”
Gelinas is being chased by Matt Frahm and young Derek Griffith in the point standings. Both drivers have been a model of consistency, and both have dealt with adversity and prevailed in 2014. Griffith started on the pole at Monadnock Speedway, but found himself at the rear of the field after being involved in an incident before any laps had been completed. Griffith came back through the field to finish 7th. Frahm, a former Nationwide Series driver, had been battling for the lead at the Gate City Classic at Hudson International Speedway, and was also involved in an altercation, but recorded a 7th place finish regardless. These three horses will gallop their way closer to the championship June 28.
Frahm is strong at the Epping, NH track. He owns one victory with the GSPSS at Star, and has partnered that win with a fourth place finish last year. Pro All Star Series driver DJ Shaw owns the other victory at Star Speedway for the GSPSS, after beating out fellow Dale Shaw Chassis driver David Oliver in 2013.
Another driver looking for a strong finish at Star Speedway is “The Shadow” Tommy O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan has experienced his share of bad luck in this early season, suffering setbacks in every race to date. At Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, O’Sullivan suffered a blown engine during Qualifying Day, putting a new motor in for Sunday’s feature, only to experience problems with that power plant. Monadnock, a burnt up plug wire held O’Sullivan back. O’Sullivan had a fast ride at Hudson International Speedway, but multiple incidents kept “The Shadow” from contending for the win. “We have to dig deep and eliminate mistakes,” O’Sullivan comments. “Mike (O’Sullivan) and I were talking the other day, we need to put a complete race together. I need to show some patience, play the hand I have, and pick up a good finish.”
Steve “Danger” Dickey and Michael Mitchell look to make their GSPSS debut at Star on June 28. Dickey, from Londonderry, NH, picked up a victory at the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in a Mini Stock earlier this year.
George “Mad Dog” Bessette, inaugural series champion Bobby Cabral, hot shoes Brad Babb and Dillon Moltz, and others will do battle at Star Speedway June 28 with the Granite State Pro Stock Series. Also on the card, Modifieds, Woody’s Strictlys, and Roadrunners will join the GSPSS. Post time for this event is 6PM. For more information about Star Speedway, visit www.star-speedway.com. For more information on the Granite State Pro Stock Series, contact Mike Parks at mparks@gspss.net, like us on facebook, or follow us on twitter @GSProStocks.
