4/28/2006 Richmond, Virginia

Ladwig runners up in Virginia

Although the Lucas Oil Chevy Cobalt only came away with a runner up this past weekend, the Ladwig Racing team was very pleased with their performance. During the event the Lucas Oil car set a new National E.T. Record @ 7.87. The team also moved up to 2nd in points for the Championship.

Because qualifying was canceled on Saturday due to rain, the whole event was run on Sunday. Qualifying was limited to one high pressure round with the Lucas Oil car running an 8.08 E.T. That was good enough to secure the #2 spot and to lead the 4 other GM Ecotec powered entries.

For the first round of eliminations against Gary Gardella, Ladwig was able to run a record breaking 7.87 to Gardella’s 8.19. But during the run Ladwig had a little excitement. After letting off the gas, Ladwig’s front end came down and cut his right front slick at the finish line causing the car to veer into the other lane. Luckily both drivers were able to avoid each other. Gardella was gracious
enough to let the team borrow another set of tires to continue racing.

In the semi-finals Ladwig was able to move past Ron Townsend with an 8.60 E.T.

For the finals Ladwig was to meet Ed Bergenholtz. Although the Lucas Oil car ran an 7.88 to Bergenoltz’s 8.04, Bergenholtz was able to hold on to win by virtue of a large holeshot advantage. While trying to stage carefully Ladwig was caught without the engine being up on boost.

The Virginia event was a great morale boost for the team after having problems at the first event of the season. With their performance the team has established itself as a front runner for the 2006 Pro Front Wheel Drive Championship.

The event will be televised on Sunday May 7, 12:30 p.m. Eastern; repeats Wednesday, May 18, 3 p.m. Eastern.

Next event will be May 6-7 at the Nitto NHRA Sport Compact Springnationals in Englishtown, N.J.