Robby Gordon wins SST Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Race No. 1

Battling a slippery asphalt track covered in water from the rain that fell in the prior hours, Robby Gordon raced hard and survived the course to take the win in the SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road Presented by Traxxas series.

“That was a lot of fun, but it was probably the slipperiest conditions I have ever raced in,” Gordon said after the event. “I have to thank IndyCar and the Green Savoree team (promoters of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg) for allowing us to race here in front of so many great race fans. It was a really good race despite the rain and we’re looking forward to putting on another good show tomorrow (Sunday).”

Justin Lofton had the lead going into the final lap when he spun in the 90-degree turn one corner, allowing Gordon to sneak by and grab the win.

As the series enters their second year of competition, it marked their first race in the rain as they tackled the same course that the Verizon IndyCars are racing on this weekend, with the addition of some metal ramps.

“We needed a trial lap just to get used to the jumping over the ramp in those conditions,” Gordon commented post-race. “Let me tell you, it was gnarly.”

16-year-old Jerrett Brooks finished second after using a conservative style throughout the entire event.

“I didn’t know it was going to be that gnarly out there,” Jerett Brooks said. “The rain was insane.”

Lofton would finish third, followed by Gavin Harlein, who was making his first ever career Stadium Super Trucks start. Apdaly Lopez finished fifth, followed by Scotty Steele, P.J. Jones and Davey Hamilton. Sheldon Creed would finish last after having to retire from the race due to mechanical issues.

Round 2 of the second season of SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road Presented by Traxxas is scheduled for 2 p.m. immediately preceding the IndyCar season opener. The race will be telecast on NBC Sports Network on Thursday, April 18 at 1 a.m. EDT.

To find out more about the SSTs, check out http://stadiumsupertrucks.com/ssts/.

About the Author

Ashley McCubbin

Joining OnPitRoad.com mid-2013 season, Ashley McCubbin is now the Managing Editor and contributes to each racing division as needed. Since studying journalism at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ashley has published articles on a couple of different websites, while serving as a public relations representative for different short track teams. Born in North York, Ontario, Ashley currently lives in Bradford, Ontario and spends her weekend at the local short tracks in the area. She has spent her entire life at the short track level, falling in love with the sport at the age of five. Beyond her love of short track racing, she also has grown an interest for both NASCAR and the IndyCar Racing Series. She also enjoys taking photos and working on websites, while playing a couple rounds of Candy Crush afterwards.

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