New Pro-Stock Series Announced, Drawing Interest
Canaan, NH — Valenti Modified Racing Series officials have announced their intent to create a new series for pro-stock racers scheduled to begin competition during the 2011 racing season.
The proposed tour has been named Granite State Pro-Stock Series.
The joint announcement was made by VMRS president and founder Jack Bateman, Series Director John Hoyt, and longtime area pro-stock racer Mike Parks.
Bateman looks forward to the potential the series offers, the challenge of launching another series. “Mike approached me a while back, I gave him my advice and welcome the opportunity. It’s our goal to do something that’s good for the racer and good for the track operator. Obviously we feel it can work. It’s a matter of getting tracks to give it a try. We would like to use the 2011 season as a test. See if it has a future,” said the veteran New Hampshire racer. Bateman will serve as an advisor for the new endeavor.
The plans for a touring series for Pro-Stock racers have been in the talking stages for nearly two years. It was only in the last few weeks the decision was made to go forward, to gauge interest from competitors and speedway operators.
Parks, whose credentials include speedway management and race promotion, is eager for the proposed series.” My vision is we want drivers and track owners feeling good about Pro-Stock racing again. It is important that we accomplish that. Even if we run a half dozen shows, and people feel good about what we are doing, that will lay the foundation for 2012.”
Hoyt, the series director for the VMRS, will serve in that capacity. “We would not be doing this if we did not think it can work. We have spoken to many people that are showing interest. There are a lot of pro-stocks out there that are just sitting. Those are the racers we need to appeal too. The intent is to get those guys back on the speedway, develop our own stars, and build this up like we did with the modified series. It is important that this series is economical for the racer and track owner. Realistically we are looking at a 10-12 race series in 2012.”
The proposed tour will be operated by Bateman’s popular modified series, utilizing officials from that tour to help get the new concept off the ground. “To me there is no better way to put credibility on this thing than utilizing our officials. They all know what it takes to operate a touring series,” Hoyt concluded.
To gauge interest, discuss plans, and to meet with series officials, important meetings have been scheduled for January 22,1011. To help minimize travel, officials will conduct a morning session at the VFW Hall, Rte 125, Kingston, NH, from 9AM to 11AM. and Best Western Hotel , 401 Winchester St, Keene, NH., from 3:00 PM to 5:00 P.M. Any and all interested race teams are requested to attend. Additional information can be obtained by calling 800- 924-2594.
Sources: John Hoyt/Granite State Pro-Stock Series PR