Stronghold Motorsports Dominates at Miler Motorsports Park
Riverside, California (June 29, 2011) -
Stronghold Motorsports Rob Naughton dominated the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Pro 2 Unlimited class as he emerged victorious in back to back rounds at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Saturday, Naughton stood alongside second place finisher and teammate Jeremy McGrath marking the second time this season the tandem took the top two spots in the series' elite class. The debut of the 9/10th mile, purpose built track at the expansive facility was greeted with standing room only, capacity crowds and intense racing throughout the weekend.
As teams were facing off on an unfamiliar course, Naughton embraced the challenge and established himself as a contender early in the weekend. "Our goal was to come out of the gate in the first practice with great lap times and set the pace," he said. "I really like the track and we were able to nail the set up and find some speed." Saturday, Naughton started on the pole and never looked back as he led the field of 900hp trucks while racing unchallenged to the checkered flag. McGrath, charging from further back in the pack was able to work his way through the field, taking the second spot with a spectacular pass, and holding on to the position through the checkered flag. "We kicked off the season at Firebird with a 1-2 finish and now, we've done it again," continued Naughton. "This is a great accomplishment for the entire Stronghold team."
Starting deeper in the field on Sunday, Naughton worked his way to second place, putting pressure on the leader. While both top positions pulled away from the group, the front runner faltered, allowing the #54 to pass for the lead that he never relinquished. The result gave Naughton a Pro 2 Unlimited sweep for the weekend and a class leading third victory of the season.
Demonstrating that his extensive testing time between rounds was paying off, Cameron Steel qualified among the leaders and found himself starting in the pole position for Saturday's Round #7 of ProLite racing. From the onset, Steele set a quick pace and held the lead. As the race developed, he continued to lower his lap times while fending off the few challengers for the win. Unfortunately, while in the lead and approaching the final lap, Steele's truck was spun off the course by a competitor. Although the other driver immediately received a black flag penalty, relegating him to the back of the field, the action did little to compensate for what surely was to be Steele's first career victory in the class. Steele recovered from the illegal contact and was forced to settle for a 4th place finish. On Sunday, Steel again ran up front with the leaders and challenged for a podium position. While maintaining a hold on third place and rounding the final turn of the last lap, he suffered a mechanical failure and the truck lost power. While he was able to restart the truck and complete the race, his second opportunity of the weekend for a podium finish had slipped by.
Brandon Bailey established lap times among the fastest in the ProBuggy Class while racing to a 7th and 8th place finishes for the weekend.
Next up for Stronghold Motorsports: Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Rounds 9&10 at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.
The 2011 Stronghold Motorsports Team:
Jeremy McGrath - Monster Energy/ReadyLift Stronghold Motorsports Pro 2 Unlimited (Toyo Tires)
Rob Naughton - Stronghold Motorsports/ReadyLift/Lucas Oil Pro 2 Unlimited (Maxxis Tires)
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Re: Stronghold Motorsports Dominates at Miler Motorsports Park
Great work Rob !! it looks as if your team has been doing some homework!! It was your weekend to shine against a large majority of best short course drivers in the world! It was a tight battle and the top 7-10 guy's were on rails around Miller Motorsports this weekend. Can't wait to see the action at Glen Helen.
Re: Stronghold Motorsports Dominates at Miler Motorsports Park
great job Fig! this was one of the best drives home with you,no coulda,shoulda,wouldas! 104 points available and you got 101! lets get better next one ,and keep the momentum flowing.
Re: Stronghold Motorsports Dominates at Miler Motorsports Park
What a great weekend, to get back to back wins in Pro 2 is a tall order and a great accomplishment for our team. I had a lot of back to back wins in Prolite but doing this in Pro 2 is something only a few drivers have accomplished. That makes 3 wins on the season, the most of any Pro 2 driver this year and we have more where those came from.
As thrilling as it is to win a race what even makes is sweeter is getting to celebrate on the podium with my Stronghold Motorsports team, sponsors, my family and all the fans. I clearly remember standing on my truck and the podium and looking down at my team and my family, the smiles on their faces and the celebration says it all. I get as much out of this as I do actually winning the race, its a special feeling.
I really have to thank every member of my team, they have given me incredible equipment and support and without this running up front and winning would not be possible.
I also have to thank every one of my sponsors, your support is truly appreciated and this season would not be possible without these great companies.
As far as the racing goes, for Saturday I qualified 4th and was inverted to the poll. This was a golden opportunity I did not want to waste. Just as I used to do in Prolite, I convinced myself to drive as fast and as hard as I could in the best line and they would have to drive around me. This mentality worked to a T and I was able to maintain a 3 to 4 truck cushion through out the race.
For Sunday I knew I was in a tougher situation starting in the 5th position. I had liked the track from the get go and knew there were a few places I could pass. I used those lines the first few laps to make a couple passes and get into third. When Adler biked in turn 1 it moved Rob Mac to the lead and me into second. The next 5 or so laps were the most fun as I got to battle with Rob showing him my nose several times. Unfortunately the battle ended when he pulled out on lap 15 with mechanical issues. I then put my nose down and drove hard the last 5 laps to secure the win.
That's it in a nutshell and can't wait for Glen Helen, we are up to speed and looking forward to the rest of the year.
See you at the races
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