For more than three decades, Cook Out Summer Shootout has helped launch the careers of future motorsports stars looking for work their way up the racing ladder. Among this summer's rising talents is 12-year-old Legend Car driver Nicholas Newsome, whose racing roots run deep.
The Florida native and his family have spent the summer living at Charlotte Motor Speedway's campground, temporarily relocating from their home in Florida so Newsome can compete against some of the toughest grassroots racers in the country. To make the move possible, the 12-year-old transitioned to homeschooling, turning a summer at the racetrack into an opportunity to chase his racing dreams.
"I was always surrounded by racing growing up," Newsome said. "My grandpa raced modifieds; my grandma raced go-karts; my mom raced go-karts. I was surrounded by racing growing up, and I always knew I wanted to get into it."
Coming from multiple generations of racers, Newsome embraces the opportunity to continue the legacy. Living up to the Newsome family name keeps the driver motivated on and off the track.
His grandmother, Connie Newsome, captured two karting championships in 1987, while his grandfather, Johnnie Newsome, won five championships of his own. His mother, Carolann Newsome, followed in those winning footsteps, earning Rookie of the Year honors and collecting five karting championships throughout her career.
Growing up around multiple generations of successful racers fueled Newsome's desire to follow a similar path.
"It's pretty cool, because when people hear about my family, they don't always realize how successful they were," Newsome said. "My grandma won two championships and my mom won five,” Newsome said.
After winning five go-kart championships of his own, Newsome took the next step in his racing career by moving into Legend Cars this season. Following Spring Nationals competition in his home state of Florida, Newsome and his family packed up and headed to North Carolina for the summer, setting up camp at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Just one week into his Cook Out Summer Shootout debut, Newsome drove to his first career Legend Car victory, celebrating the milestone alongside the family members who helped inspire his journey into racing.
"It didn't even feel like I won at first," Newsome said. "I got out of the car, I was on stage and then I realized I really won. That's when I cried like a baby."
Now, with his first Summer Shootout victory under his belt, along with three other Top 5 finishes, Newsome hopes to continue building momentum, earning more victories and climbing the racing ladder, adding accomplishments to the Newsome family name.
NEXT UP:
A doubleheader of action awaits next week at Cook Out Summer Shootout. Speedway Safari Night takes over America’s Home for Racing on Monday, before Red, White and Vroom Night brings high-speed action and a post-race fireworks spectacular on Tuesday, making Cook Out Summer Shootout one of the first Fourth of July celebrations in the region.
For Speedway Safari Night, fans wearing animal print will receive $5 off admission. On Tuesday, June 30, all first responders will receive FREE admission.
TICKETS:
On Monday, tickets are just $13, while kids 12 and under get in FREE. On Tuesday, tickets are $18 and include the post-race fireworks spectacular. Fans can also donate a canned good to Drive Out Hunger and receive $2 off admission. For tickets, schedules and more information on Cook Out Summer Shootout and other events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets
KEEP TRACK:
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