Walpole, NH- The Granite State Pro Stock Series will make the trip to Hudson, NH, for the Gate City Classic at Hudson International Speedway, June 15.
The 2014 Gate City Classic marks the fifth time the GSPSS has taken the asphalt at Hudson, which is a fan favorite on the tour. Close quarters, fender-rubbing racing is the norm at the bullring, which has seen three different winners in the previous four races. Second-place point man in 2012, Bobby Baillargeon, has two victories under his belt at the Speedway, with the two champions of the series, Bobby Cabral (’12) and Mike O’Sullivan (’13), notching victories as well.
Recent feature winner Matt Frahm boasts the best average at Hudson, finishing 3rd in both events he has entered. Frahm trails leader Larry Gelinas by 9 points entering the event, a track that Gelinas owns a 2nd and 9th place finish. Belchertown, MA driver Barry Gray is a model of consistency at Hudson, never finishing outside of the top 10 in all four events with the series.
The tour will see some new faces in action at the speedway. Cory Casagrande will make his debut with the GSPSS, driving the co-owned Casagrande Builders Chevrolet, shared with Jeff Connors. Connors debuted the ride at the Icebreaker, and was a threat to win all day long, but settled for third in his return behind the wheel.
Also making his GSPSS debut, George Helliwell has filed entry for the Gate City Classic. Helliwell, best known for his domination in the North East Classic Lites (NECL) series. Since 2010, Helliwell has posted over 20 victories in the NECL, and a remarkable 12 out of 13 wins in 2012 (a second in the 13th race), en route to the championship. The Derry, NH driver will be piloting the Here We Grow Day Care Center/RLS Landscaping Chevrolet, which was built in-house and driven by his father 20 years ago. Hudson was an easy choice for Helliwell to enter, as he has completed many circuits on the small bullring. “I want keep the car on the pavement and out of the pond,” jokes Helliwell. “All kidding aside, I have a lot to learn, so I need to become a student once again. Stay out of trouble, finish 100 laps, and learn from the veterans like Cabral, O’Sullivan, and Frahm.” Helliwell is the brother to two-time ACT champ Wayne Jr, who is a feature winner on the GSPSS.
Hometown driver Derek Griffith is looking forward to the Gate City Classic. Griffith handled adversity with the poise of a veteran at Monadnock, as the 16 year-old driver started on the pole for the feature, but was involved in an incident before the first lap was completed, and still recorded a seventh-place finish. Griffith will likely have a huge fan base in his hometown, but isn’t letting that affect his focus. “I really want to do well at my hometrack,” states Griffith. “I don’t think there’s added pressure here, but more like higher hopes to finish well.” Griffith sits fourth in the point standings entering this event.
The Gate City Classic at Hudson International Speedway will take place on June 15th. Post time for this event is 4PM. For more information on the Granite State Pro Stock Series, visit our website, www.gspss.net, or contact Mike Parks at mparks@gspss.net. Also visit our facebook page, and give us a follow on twitter @gsprostocks