While everyone was talking about Ed Hoover and Kenny Lang, Chris Russo flew under the radar and quietly climbed the ladder all weekend long, eventually leading to a victory over Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba) in the finals of the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals Sunday afternoon in Crandall.

Sunday marked Russo’s (Cedar Grove, N.J.) first career Ironman as he drove past a smoking Lang at the line on a 6.223 elapsed time at 230.13 miles per hour. Lang ran a 6.302 at 229.35 mph.

And to get the win over Lang made the victory that much sweeter.

"To be honest, I was really nervous. Anytime you run someone like Lang who is a world championship it is intimidating. I mean they are fast, legitimately one of the fastest out here," Russo said. "It legitimizes the win. No one shook the tires, no one broke, we went out there and we raced. And for me, that is a lot more satisfying."

Lang received a bye run after defeating Ed Hoover in the first round. He posted a 7.831 at 123.38 mph in his solo run, giving up lane choice to Russo in the final.

Lang also claimed the 2009 Pro Modified points lead when he staged his car in the semifinal round. Hoover moved up to second.

Sunday was Lang’s seventh career Pro Mod final.

In the first round all eyes were on Lang and Hoover.

A few bad runs saw Lang produce the lowest E.T. of the weekend, matching him up with the No. 1 qualifier and Last Man Standing both nights Hoover in the first round.

Hoover already came into the matchup with a few concerns, having to replace the engine Saturday night after discovering a broken piston and also having to deal with the defending world champion in the first round.

And Hoover’s concerns were proven right.

Lang produced a holeshot victory over Hoover in the opening round Sunday afternoon, giving him the points lead.

With the runner-up finish, Lang moves into first in the Pro Mod point standings with 224 points, 12 markers ahead of Hoover. Ray Commisso (172), Russo (143) and Tim Tindle (114) round out the top five.