PR/Photos – Eric LaFleche/VLFPhotos.com
Hudson, NH – Hometown racer Derek Griffith put on a show during the Granite State Pro Stock Series’ Gate City Classic from the fast ¼-mile oval of Hudson International Speedway in Hudson, NH.
Griffith started 8th in his heat race and ran into trouble in the early going. Derek ended up finishing near the tail of the field in his heat race. This relegated Griffith to start 19th in the 20 car pro-stock field.
The No. 12 MOM’s of Manchester/LCM Racing/Tyngsboro Motors Toyota Camry did not waste any time picking off cars, one-by-one during the 100 lap event.
Derek was running in the top-5 for much of the race and took over the lead on lap 34 and led the field for a number of laps. This was to the delight of his hometown fans.
Griffith would hold off eventual winner, No. 37 Larry Gelinas for several restarts until Gelinas finally got around Griffith and then Derek would fall in line and follow Gelinas for a number of laps. Maine driver, Brad Babb would emerge and sneak around Griffith to grab the second spot with 5-laps to go.
Griffith would hang on for a 3rd place finish; Derek advanced the most positions of any racer at the Gate City Classic by moving up 16 spots. Derek stated, “We had a really great car and I think if we didn’t have all those cautions, our Toyota would have been in victory lane but a podium finish is certainly acceptable. We were very fast and thanks to Louie [Mechalides] and my spotter Dolly [Mechalides] we almost brought home the big trophy.”
Griffith currently sits 4th in the season championship points, just 32 points out of the top spot. You can watch the 17 year-old wheel his race car next at Star Speedway on June 28th, for more information regarding this upcoming race, visit the Granite State Pro Stock Series on the web at www.gspss.net
Follow Derek on Social Media
FACEBOOK – www.facebook.com/derekgriffith18
TWITTER – www.twitter.com/derekgriffith12
WEB – www.derekgriffith.com