Robby Gordon Wins First of Two Races At MGM In Las Vegas

Robby Gordon capitalized on an uncharacteristic mistake by IndyCar veteran E.J. Viso and won Saturday’s SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road Presented by TRAXXAS race at the MGM Resorts Village. The same Stadium Super Trucks will conclude their 2014 season Thursday night at the MGM Resorts Village at 8 p.m.

Gordon held off an aggressive run by TRAXXAS driver Keegan Kincaid who took a spot on an SST podium for the third consecutive race. Burt Jenner in the Gladiator/House Beer truck came home third marking the first podium finish in his SST career.

“I had my sights set on E.J. Viso and Keegan who were running great races right in front of me,” said SPEED Energy driver Gordon when asked if he saw the great racing in his rear view mirror. “E.J. was running a great race and he clipped the K-Rail there a little bit – actually he clobbered it – and we capitalized. Viso’s contact forced the LIVE driver behind the wall.

“I really can’t wait until Thursday when we run our final race here in Las Vegas. It’s going to a great night with the SEMA Show in town and all the great Las Vegas race fans here for what will be the main event. If tonight is any indication Thursday night’s racing is going to epic.”

Crandon, Wisconsin’s Kincaid, who is a second generation dirt racing expert, ran the mostly asphalt circuit like a pavement expert. “I’m getting more and more comfortable and better on asphalt and I’m learning. I can’t wait to come back Thursday and put it on top of the podium.”

Jenner celebrated his first podium finish after many near misses throughout the season.

“I’m 36 years old and since was about five years old I have waited for this,” Jenner said. “I always felt I could hang with these guys and this proves it. I have in my pocket now and you can’t take it away from me. Hopefully this is the start of good things to come.”

The race course at MGM Resorts Village made for fantastic racing with wide sweeping turns and a jump that allows the high-flying truck to cross over opposing lanes of traffic directly in the middle of the circuit. Saturday’s completion among 10 drivers was as intense as any event in 2014 and Thursday night’s races will likely follow the same pattern.

“Racing in Las Vegas is one of the coolest things we get to do all season,” series promoter and founder Gordon said. “The course we have built at MGM is amazing and next week we will make it even better and with the SEMA Show in town the crowd will be electric. Being able to race in front of the off-road community and knowledgeable Las Vegas fans is a great way for us to finish our season.

SST will begin its 2015 season at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Australia Feb. 27-March 1 and follow that with a full slate of races with a schedule that will be announced in the coming weeks.

The SST race from MGM in Las Vegas can be seen on NBCSN Nov. 21 at 12:30 a.m. ET and 9:30 p.m.PT and (Nov. 20).

Adam Sinclair