Newsome carries on family racing tradition
Third-generation racer Nicholas Newsome relocated from Florida to Charlotte Motor Speedway's campground this summer, chasing his racing dreams and carrying on his family's championship legacy at Cook Out Summer Shootout.
Ryan Hoffacker celebrates his third Beginner Bandolero win of the summer during Cook Out Summer Shootout round 7 action before rain postponed the evening's remaining legend Car action.
CONCORD — For more than three decades, Cook Out Summer Shootout has helped launch the careers of future motorsports stars looking to 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.
A five-time go-kart champion
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.
Rain, racing and the next round
A fast-moving storm cut short Tuesday night's Cook Out Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway, postponing the Round 7 Legend Car features and setting up a full day of racing Tuesday, July 14.
Before the weather halted the program, Bandolero competitors completed their feature races, highlighted by Carson Sherman's third consecutive Outlaws Division victory.
Speedway officials announced the postponed Legend Car features will be made up beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 14. Pit gates will open at 10 a.m., while grandstands will remain closed during the afternoon makeup races.
The evening program will feature Round 8 competition, with front gates opening at 5 p.m. Fans holding tickets from Tuesday's rain-shortened event may use them for admission to the July 14 races.
Lug Nut's birthday
The night will also include Lug Nut's Birthday Party and the fan-favorite Mascot Mania go-kart race around Charlotte Motor Speedway's quarter-mile.
Before the rain arrived, NASCAR Cup Series driver Todd Gilliland met with fans and signed autographs during a special appearance.
On the track, Sherman continued his dominance in the Bandolero Outlaws Division. Starting alongside pole sitter Jagger Williams, Sherman quickly took control of the race and pulled away from the field, lapping multiple competitors on the way to Victory Lane.
Carson Cauble charged from 11th on the starting grid to finish second, while Lucas McFall claimed third after a battle for the final podium position.
The victory was Sherman's fifth in seven Outlaws Division starts this season and allowed him to maintain the series points lead.
In the other Bandolero divisions, Ryan Hoffacker captured the Beginner Bandolero feature, while Maverick Bradshaw earned the Bandits Division victory.
The Cook Out Summer Shootout enters its final stretch with the July 14 doubleheader, featuring the postponed Round 7 Legend Car races in the afternoon followed by a full slate of Round 8 competition in the evening.
