High Line: D.J. Shaw Uses Late Pass To Win Pro All-Stars Series Feature At Icebreaker

THOMPSON – Thompson Speedway has been the track of almost for D.J. Shaw in Pro All-Stars Series competition in recent years. 

The Center Conway, N.H. driver had podium finishes the last two years at the Icebreaker with the series, but still came to Thompson for Icebreaker 2019 looking to etch his name into track record book as a winner. 

Sunday he did just that, in dramatic style. 

Shaw used a late pass of Derrek Griffith to win the 75-lap Pro All-Stars Series feature Sunday at the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway. 

“This is what you dream of as a racer,” Shaw said. “Finally to check Thompson off. It’s been so close and it’s been me and him. To finally get one here is pretty sweet. I wish it was a little less dramatic but it’s still a win so I’m happy.” 

Griffith, of Hudson, N.H., held on for second. Ray Christian III of Groton was third. 

“That was awesome there,” Shaw said. “Coming out on top of those races is the best feeling in the world. That was a show for the fans right down to the last second. Can’t ask for anything more than that. That’s what we’re here to do. I can’t explain how good this feels. I finished third and second the last two years here. I can’t seem to win. Finally did it. … He made me earn it, but we just barely got there.” 

Griffith led the bulk of the feature, with Shaw using the inside lane to claw his way toward the front. When Shaw arrived to attack it was Griffith quickly moving his preferred line to take away the bottom from Shaw. 

Shaw went by Griffith for the lead on lap 68, but Griffith grabbed the top spot back two laps later. The pair came to the line side-by-side to complete lap 73 with Shaw riding the outside lane. 

On lap 74 Shaw powered off the outside coming off of turn four to clear Griffith for the lead and roll to the victory. 

“I showed him what I was doing for too long and he took it away,” Shaw said. “So I had to go where he wasn’t and he gave me the room that I gained and I’ve got to thank him for that. He raced me like a class act and that’s what you want out here. That’s what puts on a show.”