Christmas in July kicks off final push for Summer Shootout titles
Fans can decide if Cook Out Summer Shootout drivers are faster than Santa’s sleigh during Christmas in July at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
CONCORD — With just two rounds remaining in the Cook Out Summer Shootout season, drivers will trade summer heat for holiday cheer Tuesday night when Christmas in July comes to Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Round 9 of the 10-race series will feature festive activities for fans while championship battles continue to tighten across multiple divisions at America's Home for Racing.
Round 8 action
The season enters its penultimate week following an action-packed Round 8, where Colton Hale strengthened his position in the VP Fuels Semi-Pro championship race by earning a feature victory after patiently stalking leader Dylan Faulkner before making the winning pass with six laps remaining.
"I feel really good. I was just waiting and being patient, and then I started getting an itch to win," Hale said after the race. "I saw six (laps) to go and thought it was time."
Faulkner finished second, followed by JC Fickenscher, Hunter Jordan and Cameron White.
Completed races
Earlier in the evening, Charlotte Motor Speedway completed the postponed Round 7 Legend Car features. Brady Price won in Chargers, Case James claimed the Young Lions feature, Faulkner took the Semi-Pro race, Jensen Jorgensen captured the Pro division, and Robby Faggart won in Masters.
Lug Nut celebrates another trip to Victory Lane after defending his Mascot Mania Go-Kart Race title during Round 8 of Cook Out Summer Shootout.
Round 8 also featured Lug Nut's Birthday Bash, highlighted by the speedway mascot successfully defending his title in the annual Mascot Mania Go-Kart Race presented by The Speedpark at Concord Mills. Lug Nut charged from sixth to the lead before holding off a late challenge from Norm the Niner to earn back-to-back victories.
Ben Morabito continued his strong season by earning his second Pro division victory of the summer, maintaining his lead in the championship standings.
Other Round 8 feature winners included Rob Brown in Beginner Bandoleros, Maverick Bradshaw in Bandits, Carson Cauble in Outlaws, Chase Bohanon in Chargers, Landon Thrasher in Young Lions and Kevin Rollins in the Dilling Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Masters division.
As the championship chase enters its final stretch, Hale leads the Semi-Pro standings with 585 points, but the margin behind him remains razor thin. Preston Wrisley sits second with 569 points, followed by Cameron White (563), Faulkner (561) and Fickenscher (553). Just 16 points separate second through fifth entering Tuesday night's races.
The Bandits division also remains competitive, although Maverick Bradshaw has built a 31-point cushion after winning five races this season. Bradshaw enters Round 9 with 601 points ahead of Roo Reaves (569), Landon Solomito (566), Lucas Harrison (542), Anthony Pedulla (542) and Carter Clapp (538).
Christmas in July
Fans attending Tuesday's Christmas in July celebration can enjoy holiday-themed crafts, festive prizes and family activities before and during the racing program.
The evening will also feature the 704 Honda Club Car Meet-Up in the Fan Zone before racing begins, showcasing customized vehicles from a variety of makes and models.
With Champions Night just one week away, every position on the track could prove critical as drivers make their final push for Cook Out Summer Shootout championships.
