Derek Griffith Scores GSPSS Victory
The cold weather (39° at race time) wasn’t going to keep the large crowd of spectators from the opening of the Claremont Speedways 2015 season with the GSPSS on tap for their 125 lap feature. When the checkers flew 18-year-old Derek Griffith of Hudson NH put his LCM sponsored number 12 in Victory Lane for his first ever GSPSS win. It was Griffiths first visit to Claremont Speedway.
In Victory Lane Griffith gave credit to his crew and especially car owner and crew chief Louie Mechalides for a set up that was fast right off the trailer. Opening the 2015 season with a second place finish at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park two weeks ago put Griffith and team at the top of the GSPSS points parade, a place Griffith intends to stay.
Veteran Barry Gray of Belchertown, MA in the Meadow Motors sponsored number 29, himself a three time winner with the GSPSS drove a steady and calculated race to finish in the runner up position, but he just didn’t have enough to challenge for the win.
Mike Parks of Walpole NH in the Black Rock Steak House number 66 drove an outstanding race passing the most cars when he came from the rear to finish third on the podium.
Griffith jetted into the lead from his outside pole start until a lap 31 yellow flag slowed the action. On the restart Griffith missed a shift that allowed Jeremy Davis of Tamworth NH to take command until lap 40, when Griffith nosed inside Davis to regain the lead and take down the victory. Only two caution flags slowed the hot action on this cold night.
Next on the GSPSS schedule is Monadnock Speedway on May 23.
Kudos to the Claremont Speedway owners and officials with getting the Speedway up and running for the 2015 season. Improvements were substantial and appreciated.
Order of Finish
12 Derek Griffith
29 Barry Gray
66 Mike Parks
08 Mike O’Sullivan
37ME Larry Gelinas
37NH Jeremy Davis
21 Josh King
16 Tommy O’Sullivan
57Z Zig Geno
71NH Corey Roberts
11 Bryon Baker
87 Guy Caron
70 Galyn Bonner
Story By: Jim Snape/Yankeeracer.com