Frahm Survives at Monadnock, Becomes Career Wins Leader in Granite State Pro Stock Series
Winchester, NH — Matt Frahm picks up his second series victory at Monadnock Speedway after surviving a caution-marred race Saturday night.
Hudson, NH’s Derek Griffith and Buxton, ME’s Larry Gelinas led the field to the line, but before the field could complete a lap, Griffith and Dillon Moltz made contact, sending both to the rear. The start of the race seemed to be a precursor to what was to come, as a total of 12 cautions flew on the night. Swanzey, NH’s Russ Hersey seemed to have the car to beat early, as the 4-time track champ repeatedly found himself at the point, until the 4-time track champ bobbled coming off turn four, in which Frahm took full advantage, jumping multiple positions to the lead. That would be the last time Hersey would lead in the race, as his engine expired, ending his day early.
Belchertown, MA’s Barry Gray methodically fought his way through the field, and became the car to beat mid-race as he began to walk away from the field. Gray would relinquish the spot on a restart after a contested call sent the two-time GSPSS Monadnock feature winner to the back of the pack. Frahm would fend off charges from Gelinas, who ran consistently in the top 6 all night, and Cory Robert late in the race, to become the career wins leader in the Granite State Pro Stock Series. It is the Lambert Roofing/WDW Machine team’s fourth victory in the series’ short life span.
“We tried to save a little bit at the start, but there really wasn’t a lot of saving going on,” Frahm explained. “There was a lot of good racing going on mid-pack and in the front. We just had to play it cool, and pick and choose our battles. Towards the end, guys like (Larry) Gelinas and Barry Gray were really putting on the pressure, so we really had to turn the wick up a bit. I love Monadnock Speedway and I’m very excited to come back here later this year.”
Gelinas would hold on for his second straight second place finish. “It was a pretty eventful race. We tried to save what we could for the end, but it wasn’t quite enough.” Gelinas has been on a tear in the Granite State Pro Stock Series. Dating back to last year, the pilot of the Morrissette’s Oil Burner/Gelinas HVAC Service automobile has finished in the top two spots 4 out of his last 5 races.
Canaan, NH’s Cory Robert recorded his second career top three in the GSPSS with his third place finish at Monadnock Speedway. Robert, who has been battling mechanical issues in his Labine + Son’s Concrete Chevrolet, was satisfied with the result Saturday night. “We’ve been battling carburetors all year, it was still skipping tonight, we were lucky to make it through the race. We’ll try to give it our all at Hudson (International Speedway).”
Mike Parks rebounded from an eventful night, finding his Toyota involved in multiple cautions, but ending up crossing the line fourth. Oakham, MA’s Ron Smith would work his way to the fifth spot for his best career finish with the Granite State Pro Stock Series. Parks and Hersey picked up the heat wins.
The Granite State Pro Stock Series will visit Hudson International Speedway on Sunday, June 15, for the Gate City Classic. For more information, contact Mike Parks at mparks@gspss.net.
Monadnock 100 Results
5/31/14
POS (Start) DRIVER HOMETOWN
1. (11) Matt Frahm Hampstead, NH
2. (2) Larry Gelinas Buxton, ME
3. (13) Cory Robert Canaan, NH
4. (6) Mike Parks Walpole, NH
5. (4) Ron Smith Oakham, MA
6. (5) Fran Colson Baldwinville, MA
7. (1) Derek Griffith Hudson, NH
8. (19) Zig Geno Canterbury, NH
9. (12) Eric Sands Farmington, NH
10. (10) Barry Gray Belchertown, MA
11. (7) Russ Hersey Swanzey, NH
12. (14) Tommy O’Sullivan Wilbraham, MA
13. (15) Bobby Cabral Medford, MA
14. (17) Carl Eriksson Deep River, CT
15. (18) Greg Nanigian Braintree, MA
16. (8) Keith Caruso Milbury, MA
17. (3) Dillon Moltz Waterford, CT
18. (16) Mike O’Sullivan Springfield, MA
19. (9) Brad Babb Windham, ME
CONTINGENCY AWARDS Winner
AR Bodies (Hard Luck) Russ Hersey
Bond Auto Parts (Last car on lead lap) Zig Geno
Crazy Ed’s Powersports (Hard Charger) Zig Geno
Draco Springs Award (Most positions gained) Zig Geno
Five Star Stock Car Bodies (5th place finisher) Ron Smith
MacLellan Metal Finishing (Heat #1 Winner) Russ Hersey
MacLellan Metal Finishing (Heat #2 Winner) Mike Parks
Racer’s Depot (Random drawing) Dillon Moltz
RB Performance (4th place finisher) Mike Parks
RB Performance (7th place finisher) Derek Griffith
Sherwood Wheels (10th place finisher) Barry Gray
Sunoco Race Fuels (Heat #1 Winner) Russ Hersey
Sunoco Race Fuels (Heat #2 Winner) Mike Parks
Sources: Shawn Sicard
Photos By Eric LeFleche