Robby Gordon scores SST Long Beach win with last lap pass

On the last lap when Sheldon Creed and E.J. Viso made contact and wrecked, Robby Gordon was in the right spot as he was able to slip by them both to score the victory in the SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road Presented by TRAXXAS race in Long Beach, California on Sunday.

“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.”

Gordon kicked off the season with a win and a second two weeks in a row in the season opening race at St. Petersburg.

Verizon IndyCar Series driver Viso dominated the race and held on to finish second after the contact with Creed in his first ever start with the series.

“It was great to have E.J. a part of the series and we know Sheldon is going to be a great driver and one to keep an eye on for many years,” Gordon said.

16-year-old Creed rounded out the podium after getting into St. Petersburg race two winner PJ Jones in the 180 hairpin turn.

“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 and 14-year-old Gavin Harlien rounded out the top five.

“Well, I guess he had to take the chance,” Jones said. “We’ll do this again and I’m sure I’ll have an opportunity to make a pass like that on him somewhere down the road.”

Apdaly Lopez of Mexico finished sixth, rookie Bradley Morris was seventh, Scotty Steele finished eighth, rookie Nick Vanis was ninth and Jerett Brooks Brooks finished 10th.

The race will air on NBCSN on May 2 at 10:30 p.m. PST.

The next race is scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday May 23rd. Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles confirmed to the Indianapolis Star that Robby Gordon will be testing a truck at the track around April 24th to see if they will be able to use that facility. Boles said if the truck causes any damage to the track, Gordon will not be allowed to bring the trucks there for a race. The Indianapolis Star added in their report that Gordon vowed to race elsewhere in Indianapolis if IMS doesn’t work out.

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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