As the racing season enters its final stretch for 2007 at Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire, there are some things on the horizon at the high-banked short track that will be changing, while other things are going to stay the same.
Harry Franssen has purchased the facility, while current promoter Dick Therrien will continue on in his role in running the weekly racing there.
Franssen is no stranger to motorsports in New England. He has been involved as a sponsor and team owner for decades for drivers who have included Joe Bessey, Dave Dion, Joey Kourafas and Eddie MacDonald. Franssen also owns Speedway Sports Park, a popular campground located steps from the New Hampshire International Speedway.
Becoming a track owner is the latest step in Franssen’s racing involvement.
“I’ve been around racetracks for a long time and it has always been my dream to be more involved with one someday,” said Franssen. “The opportunity to purchase Riverside came about and I couldn’t pass it up. Dick and Kelly Therrien will continue to lease the track and I’m thrilled about that. They have really revived the track and the place just looks great. I’m looking forward to working with them and continuing with the improvements.”
Franssen owns a number of businesses in the transportation and recreation fields. In addition to Riverside Speedway and Speedway Sports Park, he also owns Bus and Transit Sales, Inc., Granite State Motors and Harrison Transit Services.
Riverside Speedway has several big events still in store for the reminding portion of the 2007 season including the season championship races for Riverside’s Saturday night divisions, the October 6th “Fall Free for All” Late Model race and the October 13th Frostbite 400 Enduro race.
For more information on Riverside Speedway, please call 603-636-2005. To reach Harry Franssen, please call 603-566-7338.