On Thursday at Thompson International Speedway, Bobby Grigas set fast time and won his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour pole award. That wasn't all though. Grigas also competed in the tracks' 40-lap Sunoco Modified feature collected a top 10 finish.
The New England Dodge Dealers 75 was the second time this season when the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour visited Thompson. Grigas was smiling from ear to ear as he received the pole award during pre-race ceremonies.
“This is awesome,” said Grigas. “That car that I have right there is just unbelievable. I have a whole other car setup for Loudon, but I am almost thinking about taking this one instead.”
Bobby started the Tour race back in sixth place after the re-draw and made his way to the lead by lap seven. He led the race for 20 laps until contact from another competitor turned Grigas around in turn four. With this spin went the hopes of Bobby's first win on the tour. But he chalked this up to another racing experience and went forward.
“It's too bad what happened tonight, but I am just learning, learning and learning and that car is just phenomenal.”
Bobby finished the Modified Tour race one lap down in twenty-first position with a smile.
“At least I came home with the pole. And I figured I put on a show for the fans going three-wide to take the lead at the beginning.”
Grigas did double duty on Thursday night June 19th as he drove in the James Paige Plumbing & Heating/Triple G Scaffolding #00 car in the Sunoco Modified race.
“In that division I have to learn to race all over again. You have to drive them differently. It is also not my [regular] car so I am not hands on with it. I just jump in it and go. The team works hard and they are a good bunch of guys.”
Grigas battled for the lead throughout the Sunoco Modified race, but got shuffled back to seventh at the finish. He was still smiling after the race though.
“Did it stink to finish the way that I did? Yes it did, but it is what it is. There is nothing I can do but smile.”
