As reported exclusively by RaceDayCT earlier Sunday, Mike Parks will take over control of the Granite State Pro Stock Series from Valenti Modified Racing Series owner Jack Bateman.
Parks, who has run the series last two years under the ownership of Bateman, announced the deal Sunday evening. Bateman could not be reached for comment on Sunday, but multiple sources closes to him confirmed that he has agreed to give up ownership of the series and allow Parks to take over.
The weekend began with Bateman declaring Friday that he was parting ways with Parks and would run the series himself and with Parks revealing that he planned to start a series to rival the Granite State Pro Stock Series.
When reached by phone Sunday evening Parks said: “Jack and I came up with the best solution for everybody involved, for all the competitors that race with us. It’s best for everybody in the future. We’ve come to an awesome agreement that works great for everybody.”
The Granite State Pro Stock Series recently completed its second season. It was a division envisioned by late Valenti Modified Racing Series race director John Hoyt and Parks.
“I’m grateful to Jack for working with me to resolve this issue,” read a release distributed Sunday evening by Parks. “He has been a great support to us over the last two years, and I am glad that our agreement is in the best interest of the 69 teams that participated in the Granite State Pro Stock Series this year.”
On Friday Bateman said a disagreement that stemmed from issues that arose at the season ending event at Thompson Speedway the weekend of Oct 18-20 led him to break his ties with Parks. Bateman said he told Parks last week that the two should go their separate ways.
Also on Friday, Parks put out a confusing press release stating essentially that he was taking over control of the Granite State Pro Stock Series. Later in the day Parks revealed that he was actually ready to start a new series called the New England Super Late Model Series.
one source is a report, 2 sources is confirmed / official. Until I hear a quote from Jack Bateman, it’s still not official, in my opinion.
Mea culpa – I see multiple sources were identified. Based upon the “Yes I am” “oh no you’re not!” “oh yes i am!” turns with this story, I want to hear it from Jack in order to deem it official. Even Parks said Bateman owned the series and name.
Um. Okay.
What happened at Thompson?
…what, nobody is willing to take a press release issued by Mike Parks at face value?
Shocking!!!