December, 15, 2004 – LaPorte, IN…Chris Lucas pulled off a daring pass with 2 laps to go to claim the Supermodified Ultimate Racing Series 38 lap feature event at LaPorte Speedway Wednesday 12/15. “That was probably the best online race I’ve ever been in before,” exclaimed Lucas as he accepted the accolades of the other racers.
Lucas’s win didn’t come easily though as endured a race long battle with pole sitter and heat race winner Bob Gangwer in the Wing Side Up Enterprises #25. Gangwer, who held the point lead coming into the evening’s event followed Lucas for most of the race after falling back on the start, and was waiting like a cobra to strike. “I kinda got a crappy start and Jimbo got by me going into one then I pushed going into three and John and Chris got me,” said Gangwer. “I finally got some momentum going and got by Jim and John and then chased Chris down. I knew if I just followed him and saved my tires I’d be there in the end.”
The “Jimbo’ Gangwer referred to was Jim Davidson, who along with his brother John makes up the SupermodifiedScorecard.com team and started outside pole for the 38 lap affair. SuperfanJim as he’s known led his first ever feature lap at LaPorte and looked to be in good shape for a great finish until he found the wall exiting turn 3 on laps 2. “I tagged the wall and got an ‘aero’ early and I couldn’t turn it,” stated Davidson.
It was then Brother John’s turn to lead and lead he did holding off the challenges of second place runner Lucas. Lucas finally found a hole and got by to lead for the next 20 laps and steadily pulled away with Gangwer close in tow. Gangwer, made his move on lap 25 and pulled out to a 1.4 sec lead, but watched it disappear as Lucas had reeled in the #25 and set the stage for an exciting battle to the finish. Gangwer and Lucas raced each other wheel to wheel swapping the lead back and forth several time with neither gaining an advantage until the Wing Side Up Enterprises machine slipped high going into turn three with 2 laps to go. It was all Lucas needed to claim his third win of the S.U.P.R.S. season and retake the point lead. ORS director Chris Nicastro was unable to make the start due to technical difficulties but should return to competition this Sunday at Indianapolis Raceway Park for a regular 38 lap show.
