ENGLISHTOWN, N.J., May 6, 2007 - Team Chevy's drag-racing footprint was felt all across the North American continent this weekend and included a national-record setting performance by Marty Ladwig at the 7th annual NHRA Sport Compact Spring Nationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Ladwig captured his second straight win in the Pro FWD category by driving his Ecotec-powered Cobalt to a final-round victory over Ed Bergenholtz.

Ladwig entered today's eliminator with his Lucas Oil Chevrolet qualified in the No. 2 position. After struggling through some minor gremlins during Saturday time trials, Ladwig put on an exciting raceday performance that saw the Chevy Cobalt driver win the event, set both the elapsed time and top speed record, and post all three eliminator runs over 200 mph.

"This was a fantastic weekend," said Ladwig. "It looked a little bleak in the beginning because we had some troubles during qualifying, but we got around them, we got it figured out, and every round was exciting. We had little problems here and there, and we weren't quite sure how things were going to go, but to be able to set the record over 200 mph, that's something we've been trying to do for two years. That in itself is awesome."

Ladwig defeated Chris Rado in round one, resetting the national e.t. record with a run of 7.274 seconds at 200.50 mph. In the second session, and in one of the closest and quickest side-by-side races ever seen in the Pro FWD category, Ladwig defeated fellow Chevy Cobalt driver Gary Gardella by .047 of a second, and crossed the finish line first with a 7.317 e.t. at a national-record top speed of 201.55 mph.

WATCH VIDEO - Interview with Marty Ladwig following national record e.t. run in round one

In the finals against Bergenholtz, Ladwig once again busted the 200 mph top speed barrier defeating the defending NHRA Pro FWD champion with a 7.303 e.t. at 200.77 mph. Bergenholtz followed with a 7.581 second run at 195.19 mph. The margin of victory for the Chevrolet was .155 of a second.

"To be able to win against Ed is awesome," said Ladwig. "He's a tough competitor, and to win anytime against him is never easy."

WATCH VIDEO - Final-round prep on Marty Ladwig's Lucas Oil Chevy Cobalt 

It was Ladwig's third NHRA career victory at Old Bridge Raceway Park and his fifth final-round appearance. It was also the 15th career NHRA win for the two-time NHRA Hot Rod champion and his 25th final-round appearance. Ladwig is also the only Pro FWD driver to go over the 200 mph barrier with a total of five passes exceeding the top speed mark.

"This Chevy Cobalt runs great, it drives straight, so if we do make any changes, they'll be minor in scope," said Ladwig. "Our Ecotec engines are very powerful and reliable, so we'll keep the changes small and maybe concentrate on the tune-up. But right now, I just want to enjoy this. This was one of those weekends you only dream about as a racer, and when you can come out and run like we did, it's especially gratifying. The track is always great here. The fans are great, the staff are nice and it's a pleasure anytime you have a chance to race in Englishtown."

WATCH VIDEO - Marty Ladwig post race