Lighting the Fourth of July fuse, fireworks were on the track and in the sky as a total of 154 cars came out to compete at America’s Home for Racing for Red, White and Brews night presented by Dilling Heating & Cooling at Cook Out Summer Shootout.
Securing his second Cook Out Summer Shootout win in the Night Owl Companies Young Lions Division, pole-sitter Keelan Harvick put on a fiery display. Holding off a late-race spark from three-time winner Max Reaves, Harvick proved he was the star of the show for Round 6.
Reaves started third and quickly showed that he may be brighter than the rest, taking the lead into Turn 1 but after multiple cautions, allegiances were tested, and Harvick showed that it was his time to shine, regaining the lead on Lap 10.
Harvick paced the field looking to solidify his dazzling victory, until the final turn of the 25th lap brought about some sparks. As Reaves attempted to take over in a last second bump-and-run, Harvick managed to hold off the charge to secure his awe-inspiring win.
“I didn’t look in my mirror,” said Harvick on holding off Reaves’ last gasp. “I tried to drive every corner as perfectly as I could.”
Cook Out Summer Shootout points leader Reaves took home second with Spencer Bradshaw, Neal Dulin and Carter McMurray matching speed, to round out the top five.
McKenzie Marvels in First Win of Summer Season
Freedom rings and so did victory as London McKenzie celebrated more than just the Fourth of July, after being declared the Round 6 VP Fuels Semi-Pro winner.
In a quest for valor, Michael Crafton took an early lead but the real competition came at the end of Lap 22 as a three-wide battle formed with McKenzie and Brody Gunter. Making sparks fly, McKenzie used the inside to get past the two taking the top spot before a yellow flag came.
With three laps to go and the checkered flag in sight, Gunter and McKenzie went door-to-door in a thrilling combat for first. Triumphing through the two-car-tango, McKenzie protected both sides of the track before exploding with joy at the finish line.
“I am so grateful. We’ve [him and the 860 Motorsports team] been out here all year,” said McKenzie. “I have come so close, time and time again but been heart broken every time.”
Not far behind McKenzie, lighting up the leaderboard in the top five were Gunter, Kitzmiller and Crafton, followed by Cameron White in fifth.
Sparks flew in the sky and on the track as, Lucas McFall (Night Owl Companies Beginner Bandos), Wyatt Coffey (Bandits), TJ Moon (Bojangles Outlaws), Benjamin Rogers (Chargers), Daniel Wilk (UNC-Charlotte Pros) and Kevin Rollins (Old Armor Beer Company Masters) all secured explosive wins to kick off the Fourth.
ABOUT COOK OUT SUMMER SHOOTOUT:
Cook Out Summer Shootout is a 10-race showcase of speed among eight different divisions of Legend Cars and Bandoleros. Races are held each Tuesday night, with drivers accumulating points throughout the summer towards a season-ending championship.
TICKETS:
Celebrating Night of Games, the 100th Guest will receive a grand prize, for another reward, get $2 off with a canned food donation. Tickets are $10; kids 12 and under get in FREE. For tickets, schedules and more details about all the happenings at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets.
KEEP TRACK:
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