From whowon.com

 
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Santos Dominates to Win the 61st Annual Coca-Cola Night Before the 500 at IRP



by Scott Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Under a perfect early summer moon, Bobby Santos III stood atop the podium as the Coca-Cola Night Before the 500, USAC Midget Series feature winner.

At the start of the feature Santos was able to jump out to a two second lead over Ron Gregory until a yellow on lap 11 bunched up the field. Following the restart Santos once again jumped out another sizeable lead on Gregory.

At the half way point of the race Santos was well in command until another yellow slowed the field, as Kevin Swindell spun in turn 1.

When the green dropped Santos, Gregory and Michael Lewis were the top three cars on the track. Following two quick cautions the, green came out on the 31st lap and Santos once again was in charge of the field.

At the restart Santos once again checked out from the field and went on to gather his second career USAC win in the past two starts.

“I hated to see all the yellow flags drop but it helped with not having to deal with any lap cars,” said Santos following the race. “With five laps to go I was pleased to see the yellow flags put away and be able to run to the checkered flag”

A great show was witnessed by the amazing run of 18-year-old Stephanie Mockler from Westfield, Indiana. Mockler started the feature in 15th place but quickly worked her way through the field during the race. Mockler almost took second place but was ecstatic with her third place finish.

“I started 15th and moved rapidly to third and following the race it was amazing to hear the roar from the crowd,” said Mocker in the media center after the event. “I really enjoyed racing at IRP, it feels like it takes forever to get around the track but it is awesome.”

RESULTS

COCA-COLA NIGHT BEFORE THE 500 50-LAP FEATURE

Bobby Santos
Ron Gregory
Stephanie Mockler
Michael Lewis
Jerry Coons Jr.
Billy Wease
Dave Darland
Dave Steele
Jose Wise
Bryan Clauson
David Bryne
Cole Carter
Bradley Galedrige
Kyle Nicholas
Ryan Kaplan
Darren Hagen
Brad Kuhn
Brandon Wagner
David Gough
Kevin Swindell
Jay Drake
Travis Miniea
Mario Marietta
Teddy Beach
Justin Overfelt
Bryan Olsen