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Six-Time Champion To Compete in Granite State Derby Presented by USA Insulation at Lee USA Speedway
Photo: Michael Jaworecki/Myracenews
MILFORD, Conn. – Fresh off a victory at Riverhead Raceway last Saturday, Doug Coby and Tommy Baldwin Racing will team together again this weekend at Lee USA Speedway for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Granite State Derby 175.
Coby will drive the No. 7NY for Baldwin’s team in the first Whelen Modified Tour race at the New Hampshire oval in over two decades. Lee, known for its abrasive surface and tire conservation, will be difficult for Coby and Baldwin to tackle – but with momentum on their side coming off a victory in New York – the team is excited to hit the track together again.
Coby does have experience winning at tracks that require excessive amounts of tire conservation. The six-time Whelen Modified Tour champion won the last Whelen Modified Tour race at Myrtle Beach Speedway in 2019 – a track that is similar to Lee, when it comes to strategy. With Baldwin calling the shots on the pit strategy and Coby behind the wheel, the combination feels like they will be in the running to make it two straight wins.
Coby will step back into the 7NY seat to allow Jimmy Blewett additional time at home and keep the Baldwin Racing entry in contention for the Whelen Modified Tour owners championship. Through three races, the team leads the owners points by 12.
“At Myrtle Beach you couldn’t even go 100%,” Coby said. “In these races, it’s definitely timing of when you take tires, v.s. when the cautions fall. In the last race I won at Myrtle Beach, we timed our pit stop well, when some others stayed out and were hoping for a caution later in the race, but it never came out. Being a six-tire race at Lee, it’s a big difference to be able to come into the pits twice. Someone may even try to time it right and only pit once and not need the second stop. The race is going to be about pacing yourself and not abusing the car. At Riverhead, I was able to pace myself the whole race, and knowing how the car responded to it, it gives me a lot more confidence. At Lee, we will be in a tire saving mindset from the drop of the green. Lee is a great facility and the track is a ton of fun.”
The event schedule for the Granite State Derby presented by USA Insulation will include one Whelen Modified Tour practice session from 1:40-2:40 p.m., followed by Mayhew Tools pole qualifying at 5:30 p.m. The drop of the green flag for the 175-lap race is scheduled for 7 p.m. All tickets will be available at the track and are also available in advance at JDVProductions.com. The race will air live on FloRacing.TV for those who can’t make it to the track.
For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit Tommy Baldwin Racing on Facebook. For more information on Doug Coby and Doug Coby Racing, visit DougCobyRacing.com and follow the team on Facebook for the latest updates, including on race day.
