By the URSS
CALHAN, Colo. — Jake Bubak chalked it up to luck. Persistence also played a big part, though.
Bubak, who had a breakout season a year ago in the United Rebel Sprint Series, continued that strong form with another victory in the series Saturday night at El Paso County Speedway in Calhan, Colo.
Bubak started eighth and continued to work his way through the field toward the front. As yellow flags flew, the young driver was able to pick off driver after driver until he moved into the runner-up spot behind Brian Hardman.
“We were pretty loose at the beginning,” Bubak said. “That helped get through the traffic. That helped us get from eighth to second. Brian was a lot better early than we were.”
Bubak continued to set his sights on Hardman, who had won four of the last six races at the track entering Saturday.
“If we would have stayed green, I don’t think I would have been able to run him down,” Bubak said. “We got a couple yellow flags, and I was able to get past a car on each yellow.”
As Bubak closed the gap, he got the opportunity he was waiting for. On the final lap coming out of turn four, Hardman skated high, allowing Bubak to go low and around the leader for the win.
“We got really lucky,” Bubak said. “Brian kept getting tighter and tighter. Out of (turn) four, he pushed up the track, and I shot under him.”
It was Bubak’s sixth URSS victory of his career and second in Calhan.
Hardman finished second, with Adam Trimble — who won July 4 in Calhan — third. Coby Pearce and Mike Hathaway rounded out the top five.
Heat race winners were Zach Taylor and Mark Walinder.
The Keizer Aluminum Wheels Hard-Charger award went to Bubak, who moved up seven spots for the win.
Feature results
1. Jake Bubak, 2. Brian Hardman, 3. Adam Trimble, 4. Coby Pearce, 5. Mike Hathaway, 6. Zac Taylor, 7. John Jacob, 8. Butch Hardman, 9. Brad Mott, 10. Mark Walinder (DNF), 11. Joe Bellm (DNF).