The Granite State Pro Stock Series returned to Lee USA Speedway this past Sunday for the track’s inaugural May Madness weekend.
Joey Doiron earned the pole for the race on Saturday, but the top 8 qualifiers did a re-draw for position, which earned 18-year-old Ryan Kuhn the top starting spot. The Pro All Star Series also cancelled their Sunday race in Groveton due to weather, which allowed Ben Rowe to join the field as a last-minute addition.
Ryan Kuhn pulled away with the early lead as Brandon Barker quickly made his way into the runner-up spot. Pole winner Doiron was also on the move early, moving into third over the #00 of Jimmy Renfrew, Jr.
Jake Dore, who had faced electrical problems over the course of the weekend, came to a slow and brought his #05 machine down to the pits on lap 18 after having troubles with his ignition box. This was a heart breaker for the entire Dream Ride/JRD Racing team, who is running a completely self-funded season with all of their race winnings going to Dream Ride and the Special Olympics.
Ryan Green was on the move in the first half of the race, breaking the top 5 on lap 20. The leaders were also setting a blistering pace, approaching lap traffic on lap 25. Brandon Barker was on a mission, making his way to the inside of Ryan Kuhn on lap 30, challenging him for the top spot. Barker took over the lead the following lap, pulling away from his competitors.
Joey Doiron continued to show speed, advancing into the runner-up spot over Ryan Kuhn on lap 33. Jeremy Davis began his voyage to the top of the leader board on lap 34, breaking the top five. He made his way around Jimmy Renfrew, Jr. the following lap, advancing to fourth.
Jeremy Harclerode faced troubles on lap 55, coming to a slow and bringing his car down to the pits. After showing strength all weekend, Joey Doiron had a right front tire go flat on lap 67 and he came to a stop in turn 3. The yellow came out and Doiron was handed a one-lap penalty for intentionally bringing out the caution.
Jeremy Davis was red-hot on the restart, powering into the runner-up spot. Ryan Kuhn and Mike Mitchell tangled on lap 72 in turn 1, leading to another caution. Jacob Perry was granted the Lucky Dog under caution, earning his lap back. Due to his penalty prior, Doiron was forced to earn his lap back opposed to receiving the wave-around.
Ben Rowe, who had started the feature from the back of the pack, made his way into the top 4 on the restart. Barry Gray came to a slow, heading to the pits on lap 97. Todd Stone followed suit the following lap. Mike Mitchell went around on lap 102 in turn 4, leading to another caution.
Joey Doiron, who had nearly earned his lap back prior to the yellow, was forced to restart in the rear of the field once again, as lapped cars are forced to restart at the tail of the field in the Granite State Pro Stock Series.
Ray Christian III, Jacob Perry, Barry Gray, Joe Squeglia and Ryan Green were all caught up on the restart in turn 2, leading to another caution.
Brandon Barker was on a rail once the field went back green, extending his lead to 1/2 straightaway on lap 120. Ben Rowe was on the move late-race, clearing Renfrew for third on lap 132.
Barker’s extended his lead to a full straightaway over Jeremy Davis on lap 135. Jimmy Renfrew, Jr. unexpectedly made the right turn down to the pits on lap 137, completely mixing up the top five. Ryan Kuhn took it 3-wide on lap 143 in turn 2, advancing into the top 5.
Brandon Barker was gone and away, scoring his second-straight Granite State Pro Stock Series feature victory at Lee USA Speedway. Jeremy Davis, Ben Rowe, Mike Mitchell and Ryan Kuhn rounded out the top five.
The 2019 Granite State Pro Stock Series season rolls on this upcoming Saturday, May 25th, at Monadnock Speedway with 100 laps of racing action! Will you be there?
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