December 22, 2004 – Derry, ME…After taking a couple of weeks off to revamp his racing equipment, Chris Nicastro of Fairview Park, OH gave himself an early Christmas present by dominating the 25 lap S.U.P.R.S. main event at Derry Speedway. “This is incredible, I didn’t think I would win, I really didn’t,” expressed the astounded 18 year old racer who picked up his first ever S.U.P.R.S. feature win.
Like fellow S.U.P.R.S. competitor John Davidson at the race before, Nicastro looked strong from the first practice session on. His lap times throughout the night consistent and within 4 tenths of the track record he had set early in the day during a practice session. He never slowed down as he posted fast time and went on to win his heat race.
“The car just felt good tonight. I want to thank my sponsors, my team and all of my fellow racers this really is a dream come true,” said Nicastro. “It might have looked easy out there but I really didn’t think I could do this, it’s amazing what a steering wheel and pedal set will do compared to a game pad at this track.”
S.U.P.R.S. Points Leader Chris Lucas had another consistent showing with third quick time, second in the heat and second in the feature. His main event run however wasn’t without incident. “Bobby G. and I were just racing hard and we had bumped a couple times,” explained Lucas. “I had slid up into the wall and that messed the car up enough but then I guess he couldn’t miss me and hit me in the back, which really made it a handful.” Lucas and Gangwer continued their spirited battle for second place while Nicastro simply and effortlessly increased his lead. Lucas came out on top in the end as the two made contact in turn 3 when Gangwer tried a low move. Gangwer ended up shooting down pit row and his night was over while Lucas went on to finish a distant second.
“Chris and I had another great race. We did some bumping and banging here and there and I don’t like to race that way, but I know it was unintentional,” said Gangwer. “I have all the confidence in Chris and know that I can run side by side with him without him doing anything stupid. This was a real quick race, 25 laps, on a real tough track, we all knew we had to go hard and fast from the start to have a shot. My hat’s off to Chris,(Nicastro), though for that win, I know what it’s like to get your first it’s an awesome feeling, none of us had anything for him tonight.”
Third place finisher John Davidson echoed Bobby G.’s sentiments, “Chris did a great job tonight, I’m real happy for him, it’s good to have him back.” “I love this track, it’s really very racy, but I just can’t seem to get a handle on it yet so I lucked into that third place when Bobby and Chris got together,” said SFJ
Nicastro also picked up the bonus points for most laps led, fastest lap of the feature and the pole position award. Gangwer picked up 5 points for leading a lap and was the only other driver than Nicastro to do so. Lucas padded his sizable point lead by splitting the 10 point bonus for most cars passed with Davidson, who continues to climb in the standings.
The S.U.P.R.S. cars and stars will be in action next Wednesday in what is sure to be an exciting night of racing. The New Year’s Bash 75 will feature a 3n1 show with 25 lap features at three different tracks in one night. Clover Valley will kick things off followed by a trip to Bracket Hill and the night will be capped off with the S.U.P.R.S. making it’s first ever appearance on a track over 5/8ths of a mile, New Hampshire International Speedway. Come out and join the fun of racing in the “Ultimate Online Short Track Race Car!”
