USAR: USA-Lakeland II: Steven Christian race recap

Atlanta, GA, - Following a topsy-turvy night of racing action last night, Steven Christian brought the Lucas Oil Products Ford to a sixth place finish in the Jackaroo Sauces 250 at USA International Speedway.

Christian qualified the #16 Ford Taurus 16th in the field, a disappointing start after posting promising practice times earlier in the day. Suffering from mechanical problems, Christian pitted on lap 61 for adjustments and right side tires. Coming out of the pits in 14th position, Christian continued to struggle. On lap 103, race leader Jason Sarvis got around the Lucas Ford, sending Christian one lap down.

Christian pitted for the second time on lap 123. Lining up on the inside on a lap 127 restart, he was able to pass the leader to reclaim his lap on lap 129. By lap 137, Christian was running 8th. He gained two more position when he was able to get around the #23 and #28 cars on lap 142. On lap 214, the #29 car passed, dropping Christian back to 7th. When Huffman pitted his #84 car during a lap 246 caution, Christian moved up to 6th and held on to the finish.

Recipient of the Lucas Oil Products Halfway Leader Award was Joe Gaita, who stayed out when the leaders pitted during the halfway point. Speed Channel will air this race on Thursday, June 6 at 9 p.m. EST.

-lop-