Daytona ARCA 200 Race Report

Gerhart Takes Checkered Flag In FirstPlus Financial 200 Shawna Robinson Takes Second in ARCA Series Race

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Bobby Gerhart was edged from the pole position for the FirstPlus Financial 200, but made up for it by taking the checkered flag in the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde series race today at Daytona International Speedway.

Gerhart, who was knocked off the pole position by Matt Hutter late in Thursday's qualifying, led the final 36 laps and held off a fierce late-race charge by Shawna Robinson to pick up his first career ARCA victory. Amazingly, Gerhart had only one top-10 finish in 11 career starts at Daytona prior to today's triumph.

"If there is any race we want to win in ARCA, it's Daytona," said a jubilant Gerhart whose Chevrolet was up front for a total of 57 of the 80-lap event. "I remember the first time I came here to race (1988), I drove through the gate and got goose bumps. I've got goose bumps right now."

Gerhart was in for a battle with Robinson, who was making a return to competitive racing after a near four-year layoff. However, with two laps remaining, Curt Piercy spun and hit the wall in the trioval, bringing out the fifth caution period of the day. Gerhart took the win over Robinson as the race finished under caution.

When asked if he could have held off Robinson in the final laps, Gerhart said "I guess we'll never know. Timing is everything in this sport. It would've been exciting to see if she could have gotten a run on me. I didn't intend on finishing second."

Robinson, meanwhile, responded "We absolutely could've won. No question about it. We just didn't have enough laps. The car was capable. I gave it all I had."

Bobby Hamilton, Jr., was a close third, followed by Mike Swaim, Jr., and Glen Morgan. Hutter finished a disappointing 27th after suffering a broken axle. Gerhart averaged 121.910 mph in the race, which featured five cautions for 29 laps.

More racing excitement awaits fans as Speedweeks 99 continues. Tickets are still available for upcoming events, including the Gatorade 125's. Call the Speedway Ticket Office at (904) 253-RACE.

Source: ISC/DIS