Robby Gordon proved the old saying ‘patience is a virtue’ as he took the win at the SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road race win at Long Beach on the final lap as the two leaders took each other out of contention.
Indycar verteran E.J. Viso lead most of the race as he made his series debut but was hounded by 16-year-old Sheldon Creed throughout most of the race, on the final lap SCreed and Viso come together leaving the door wide open for Gordon to slip through and take the win.
“I saw what was going on in front of me and it was cool to see two great young drivers going hard and putting on a great show for the fans,” Gordon said.
“That’s what’s great about these trucks – we can beat and bang and keep going which is what the fans want to see. It was great to have E.J. a part of the series and we know Sheldon is going to a great driver and one to keep an eye on for many years.”
Following the incident Viso recovered to take second place while Creed fell back to fourth behind St. Petersburg winner PJ Jones. Creed wasn’t going to settle for fourth place and on the final turn of the race took an aggressive line inside his TRAXXAS team-mate forcing the 14-year-old off-line and back in to fourth place.
“Had to do it,” Creed said. “Last lap and I saw an opening and had to take it. That’s what makes these trucks so awesome.”
Jones reponded to Creed’s comments by saying “I guess he had to take the chance”. Creed will have to watch out in future rounds as Jones added “We’ll do this again and I’m sure I have an opportunity to make a pass like that on him somewhere down the road.”
Jerett Brooks had heavy impact with the tyre-wall on turn 8 but managed to recover and continue in the race much to the delight of the fans. Mexico’s Apdaly Lopez finished sixth, Bradley Morris finished seventh, Scotty Steele came home eighth followed by Nick Vanis in ninth and Brooks in 10th.
The next stop on the 2014 series schedule will be in Indianapolis, Ind. May 23.
