E3 Spark Plugs sponsored Robert Stout, of Brownsburg, Ind. has won the Touring Car class race at the Toyo Tires World Challenge at Long Beach Presented by Bondurant. At just over 18 years of age, the win makes him the youngest winner in World Challenge. He started second in class, but grabbed the lead from pole sitter Nick Wittmer by the first time past the line. By lap seven his lead was stretched to over 10 seconds and he raced to a 19.666-second margin of victory.
“I felt like I got off to a decent start,,” Stout said. “I worked my way around Nick [Wittmer] a lap or so after the start. I heard he had some problems over the radio. I knew I had a pretty good gap over second place at that point and I tried to take it as easy as I could.”
Even with the big lead, the end of the race had a couple of nervous moments for Stout.
“With about 10 laps to go, I started to have some problems with the left rear,” he said. “I didn’t even know if I was going to make it, so I really tried to take it easy through the right handers. But the car came through and we made a first place finish. This is one of the biggest races in the world. I couldn’t ask for anything more than to win at Long Beach.”
Stout’s win allows him to inherit the Touring Car Drivers’ Championship lead with 350 points. Meyer (281), Todd Buras (264), and Gardner (263) trail Stout after three of 12 races. The race from Long Beach will be broadcast May 1 at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) on Versus.
“We at E3 Spark Plugs are proud to be associated with such a fine young talent as Robert Stout, congratulate him on his win, and look forward to a long partnership as he continues his racing career.” said Todd Arey, president of E3 Spark Plugs.
Backed by a five year, 100,000-mile warranty, E3 Spark Plugs with DiamondFire technology, are now available for most automotive and motorsports applications at automotive retail stores nationwide. For more information and complete test results, visitwww.e3sparkplugs.com.
Robert Stout uses and is supported by:
Lucas Oil: www.lucasoil.com
E3 Spark Plugs: www.E3Sparkplugs.com
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink www.rockstar69.com
MAVTV www.MAVTV.com
Aviation Institute of Maintenance www.aviationmaintenance.edu
Frameworks Marketing Group www.frameworksmg.com
NeWave Television Productions: www.newavetv.com
Kumho Tires: www.kumhotireusa.com
Greater Austin Development: www.agadco.com
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