Gustin Battles Smoking Engine to Win DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals Opener
Ryan Gustin secured victory on the opening night of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, marking his 11th World of Outlaws Late Models career win. The dramatic finish saw Gustin's engine smoking heavily as he crossed the finish line.
Race car driver in sunlight
Gustin dominated early, claiming both the Simpson Quick Time Award and his Heat Race win. Starting from the outside front row, he battled intensely with Nick Hoffman throughout the race. After Hoffman's spin past the halfway point, Gustin held off challenges from Ethan Dotson and Jonathan Davenport to secure the win.
The victory marked Gustin's first race with new crew chief Cody Mallory, showcasing their immediate chemistry. Davenport finished second, while Cody Overton impressed with a third-place finish after starting 23rd, earning him the Fox Factory Hard Charger award.
Notable finishes included:
- Ethan Dotson: 4th (Rookie of the Race)
- Tim McCreadie: 5th
- Nick Hoffman: 9th
- Brandon Sheppard: 7th
The 35-lap feature demonstrated the competitive nature of the series, with multiple lead changes and intense battles throughout the field. The event sets up an exciting $20,000-to-win finale at Volusia the following night.
Feature Results (35 Laps):
- Ryan Gustin
- Jonathan Davenport
- Cody Overton
- Ethan Dotson
- Tim McCreadie [Top 5 shown for conciseness]
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