Racing is not just a sport but rather a way of life for the Wrisley family. Each week at the Cook Out Summer Shootout, the event becomes a family affair, as they as they showcase their passion on the track.
Brandin Wrisley’s love for racing was evident to his sons Preston and Sterling Wrisley from an early age as they watched him compete in various disciplines over the years. With the engrainment of racing in their family, both boys found a deep and enduring love for motorsports.
Sterling began his Summer Shootout journey in 2022, as younger brother Preston soon followed suit, stepping foot into a Legends Car with no prior racing experience in 2023. Despite being on a racing hiatus, Brandin, fueled by his son's enthusiasm and desire to spend more time with them, returned to the track in the Old Armor Beer Company’s Master’s Division.
"Competing in the Summer Shootout was their idea, and I just supported it 110%. I never pushed it, it was just something that they came to me and said, ‘Can I try this?’" said Brandin. “As long as we leave here [Charlotte Motor Speedway] with a positive attitude and build on something in the right direction, I have no problem coming back here.”
From growing up, sitting with their mom watching their dad race, to creating their own racing legacy, the Wrisley brothers have come a long way. Preston credits his father for getting him started in racing and allowing him to run amongst the world’s best grassroots racers at America’s Home for Racing.
“It's [racing] been around us for a while, and it's always something I wanted to do,” said Preston. “Seeing him [Sterling] hop in that car made me want to hop in the car too.”
Taking lessons from their father, the brotherly duo now toes the line between siblings and competitors, fiercely battling in the intense VP Fuels Semi-Pro division each week. Sterling acknowledges that while racing has brought them closer, it’s also sparked some healthy competition between the two.
“The biggest lessons we have learned is anger management and teamwork,” said Sterling. “If you work together, you can pick up a lot of things. We’ve started helping each other out and always pushing each other, wanting to improve.”
For the Wrisleys, Tuesdays are not just race days but a time for the three to bond. Brandin cherishes the moments spent loading the car and traveling from the Triad area each week to serve as both a dad and mentor in the garage. They all agree that the time spent together in both the car and garage is invaluable.
“It means a lot because when you get to this age with these kids, they tend to wander off and find other interests,” said Brandin. “If racing is what pulls us together, and that's what interests them, I'm going to find a way, one way or another, to pull and keep us together and support their interest.”
NEXT UP:
Tuesday, July 23, the Cook Out Summer Shootout trials continue as the ceremonial Summer Games Night, presented by Trackhouse Motorplex makes its debut in a full slate of Legend Car and Bandolero racing. Adding to the thrill of the games, the personalities you love from Dirty Mo Media will meet the quarter-mile for a special feature 400-meter dash down the frontstretch. The event will be a blend of fun, speed and the unexpected as they race to the finish line.
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:
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:
Follow all the thrilling Cook Out Summer Shootout action at Charlotte Motor Speedway on X, Facebook and Instagram.
