Round 1 of Cook Out Summer Shootout made its sizzlin' return to Charlotte Motor Speedway with a Cook Out Beach Party presented by Cook Out to heat up the summer season. Neal Dulin turned up the heat in the Pro division, while Carson Sherman rode a wave of momentum to the Outlaw victory as both drivers reeled in the first wins of the summer.
DULIN GRILLS THE FIELD
The Pro division served up one of the biggest cookout-sized surprises of opening might, as Neal "The Real Deal" Dulin snatched victory straight off the grill in the closing lap.
After early leader London McKenzie spun from the top spot, Ben Morabito took control and looked ready to cruise to victory, cooking the competition by more than three seconds by Lap 13. But on Lap 20, a red flag for an oil spill stacked the field back together and set the stage for a five-lap showdown.
The late-race restart turned up the heat as another caution with three laps to go set up a dash to the finish, with drivers going three-wide through Turns 3 and 4. On a slick final lap, Dulin found one last burst of speed, racing side-by-side with Morabito before stealing the lead in the closing corners to earn a sizzling Round 1 victory.
Morabito finished second, with Sam Butler, Spencer Bradshaw and Keelan Harvick rounding out opening night’s top five.
SHERMAN RIDES THE WAVE
It was high tide and high speed when the green flag dropped on the first Outlaw race of the season, which proved to be a strong showing for Carson Sherman. Charging through Turn 1, Sherman quickly established himself as a frontrunner and remained in control throughout the race.
With Carson Cauble close behind, Sherman held his ground through Lap 5, when the race's first and only caution made waves. Jackson Jones and Tate Brewer stayed within striking distance, but Sherman ultimately pulled away, racing full throttle toward victory.
"I'm feeling really grateful to be here," said Sherman. "We picked up the first three wins of Thursday Thunder, and now to get the first one here at Summer Shootout, we're having a great summer so far."
From the opening stages, Sherman, Cauble, Jones, Brewer and Jacob Hassey separated themselves from the field, riding a wave of momentum to establish the race's top-five running order.
Also joining the beach party in Victory Lane, Ryan Hoffacker (Beginner Bandoleros), Maverick Bradshaw (Bandits), Nicholas Newsome (Chargers), Case James (Young Lions), Colton Hale (VP Fuels Semi-Pro) and Jeff Bolen (Dilling Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Masters) all celebrated a smokin' good time under the lights.
NEXT UP:
Fans can play their cards right on Tuesday, June 9, as Night of Games rolls into Cook Out Summer Shootout with the fan-favorite Media Mayhem school bus slobberknocker. Experience a night in the fast lane, roll the dice on family fun and keep an eye out for the 100th guest through the gates, who will score a special grand prize.
ABOUT COOK OUT SUMMER SHOOTOUT:
Celebrating its 33rd season, the Cook Out Summer Shootout is a 10-race showcase of speed, featuring eight racing divisions of Legends Cars and Bandoleros. Races are held each Tuesday night under the lights with championship points on the line all summer long.
TICKETS:
Tickets are just $13; kids 12 and under get in FREE. Donate a canned good to Drive Out Hunger and get $2 off your Cook Out Summer Shootout ticket! For tickets, schedules and more details about all the happenings at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets
KEEP TRACK:
Follow all the thrilling Cook Out Summer Shootout action at Charlotte Motor Speedway on X, Facebook and Instagram.
