Morgan captures Pro Cup win at Motor Mile Speedway

FAIRLAWN, VA - Veteran Benny Gordon looked to be set to pick up his sixth career Pro Cup Series win at Motor Mile Speedway in Fairlawn, VA Saturday night before a loose tie rod end brought his domination of the New River Valley 250 to an end one lap shy of the finish. The incident resulted in a green-white-checker finish between the rest of the field, with 2012 series champion J.P. Morgan flexing the most muscle in route to his first win of the 2014 season.<br /> <br /> "I knew I had a good race car tonight but when I got caught up in that battle with Caleb (Holman) and the #1 car (Dalton Hopkins) for second I thought I lost my chance to run Benny down just like we did in the first half," explained Morgan. "A little luck came our way with Benny having trouble, and then we just showed what our car could do on that green-white-checker finish. This was a much needed win for this team too right now, so it feels pretty sweet."<br /> <br /> Morgan, who's had a slow start to the season thus far, had to overcome a seventh place redraw at the series halfway competition caution. From there with Gordon redrawing the number one position and taking the lead, Morgan set his sights on making his way to the front.<br /> <br /> The battle for the second position between Dalton Hopkins, making his first start of the season, and points leader Caleb Holman allowed Morgan to join the fray, stealing the show, racing three wide at times for position. The three drivers maneuvered lap after lap for the runner up spot for over 30 laps before Morgan eventually took the position on lap 234.<br /> <br /> With space to race, Morgan closed the gap to the fading Gordon on the final two laps when finally the front suspension of Gordon's car let go, sending him up the track in turns one and two, bringing out the yellow flag on the final lap. The result was a green-white-checker finish to decide with winner with Morgan and Holman on the front row, followed by a pair of youngsters looking for their first career win in the form of Dalton Hopkins and rookie Matt Craig.<br /> <br /> The inside line proved to be all Morgan needed to hold off the field capturing his first career Pro Cup Series win at Motor Mile. Championship points leader Caleb Holman extended his lead over the competition with his second place finish. Rookie Matt Craig rounded out the podium with an impressive third place finish in just his second ever series start.<br /> <br /> Next up for the X-1R Pro Cup Series is the Dean Custom Air 250 at Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, SC on Saturday June 28.<br /> <br /> <strong>CARS X-1R Pro Cup Series</strong><br /> <strong> Motor Mile Speedway - Fairlawn, VA</strong><br /> <strong> New River Valley 250 (Unofficial) - June 7, 2013</strong><br /> <br /> 1. #23 J.P. Morgan<br /> 2. #75 Caleb Holman<br /> 3. #54 Matt Craig<br /> 4. #1 Dalton Hopkins<br /> 5. #05 Codie Rohrbaugh<br /> 6. #25 Benny Gordon<br /> 7. #2 Brady Boswell<br /> 8. #6 Jeff Oakley<br /> 9. #88 Reid Wilson

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