OXFORD — Veteran Super Late Model driver and Scarborough native Garrett Hall took the lead from Bryan Kruzek on lap 67 and pulled away to victory in the Granite State Pro Stock Series 100 Saturday night at Oxford Plains Speedway.
Fourteen-year-old New Hampshire drive Gabe Brown started fourth on the 27-car grid and crossed the line second, while Kruzek settled for third. Justin Drake and Bobby Timmons completed the top five.
Tyler King (Street Stock); Ben Tinker (PASS Mods); Andy Hill (Northeast Classic Lites); Austin Teras (Legends); Jon Lizotte (Figure 8); Mark Theriault (Wicked Good Vintage Late Models); and Scott Grant (Wicked Good Outlaws) also won their respective features on the eve of today’s Oxford 250.
“My car got pretty loose out there early on,” Hall said. “I had a chance to cool the tires make another charge. I don’t know if Bryan’s car started to go away or not, but I know my car definitely got better in the closing laps. I brought a different car for the 250, but after this, I might want to run this one.”
Brown put in another amazing performance in just his fifth stock car race. It was just a couple of weeks ago that he battled side-by-side with Hall during a regular weekly show at Oxford, and he almost won. On Saturday night, he was a real contender in a 100-lap contest.
“I’m very happy with our run here tonight,” the quick study said. “I get some amazing help from the Shaw family, we’re neighbors and I’ve gained so much knowledge from them. I have to thank Dale, DJ and everybody who has helped me to this point. I’m hoping to run the 250, but I’m still not sure.”
Finishing sixth through 10th in the series debut was DJ Shaw, Derek Griffith, Chad Dow, Dave Farrington and Mike O’Sullivan. Sixteen of the 27 starters finished on the lead lap, while three cautions slowed the pace. Hall’s margin of victory over Brown was just a tick under a half second.
Other notable finishers include Rusty Poland (11th); Dixfield native Ryan Robbins (15th); Sebago native and NASCAR spotter Derek Kneeland (16th); reigning series champion Barry Gray (18th); Beech Ridge regular Dan Winter (20th); and Oxford regular Shane Green (23rd).
For a series debut, the 100-lap tilt kept fans on the edge of their seats. The big 250-weekend crowd on hand saw nine lead changes among four drivers in the first 75 laps. Two epic battles up front, the first between Kneeland (who led twice for 14 laps) and Timmons and the second between Hall and Kruzek, put the excitement factor on high.
Oxford officials will now shift their attention to Sunday’s 44th annual Scott’s Recreation Oxford 250, presented by Fastway Trailer Products. Over 65 cars have entered and will attempt to make the show in three intense rounds.
Qualifying action for the 250 gets under way at 1:30 p.m.
pwhipple@sunjournal.com
Nick Lasculo (#39) and Scott MacMichael battle it out in their qualifying heat of the Granite State Pro Stock series.
No Mod Tour the night before the 250 this year, guys. I’ll be covering the GSPSS 100. Lots of other classes running Sat. night, as well.
I hope to file at a reasonable time! (10-ish). Will I have a photog on site?
– Phil
Bryan Kruczek readies himself for his heat in the Granite State Pro Stock series.
Myles Chipman of Nottingham, New Hampshire, crew chief for Bryan Kruczek tightens the tie-rod before the Granite State Pro Stock final last night. Looking on is Jay Hilton of Exeter New Hampshire.
Derek Kneeland of Sebago on his way to winning his heat in the Granite State Pro Stock Series last night.
Don Burr (left) of Westbrook Connecticut, and Jason Sweat of Sumner watch the races from the pit stands. Sweat will be working on Kody Connor’s crew tomorrow.
Jace Pastore of Gorham gets a lift from mother Briana Luce and father Joe Pastore. Jace Luce is granddaughter of Glen Luce.
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