The Season 7 Apex Energy Summer Series presented by Boone CDJR got off to a dramatic start at Charlotte Motor Speedway! A wild and unpredictable race kept fans on the edge of their seats with numerous cautions, lead changes, and a thrilling battle for the checkered flag.
Early on, cautions disrupted the flow of the race. On lap 12, chaos erupted as Jacob Szala spun out, collecting Ward in the aftermath. Lap 98 saw another caution as Justin Wilson turned Ry Jones, triggering a multi-car accident that included former series champion Braxton DeWeese, whose car unfortunately ended up flipped.
Despite opting for older Goodyear tires for this particular stint, Aaron Smith emerged as a strong contender. He battled fiercely with Jonny Rapp and Scottie Sobczak for the lead early on before taking control on lap 65. However, tire strategy became a crucial factor as the race wore on.
A late-race caution on lap 97, caused by a slow car, bunched up the field and set the stage for a dramatic finish. As the green flag waved again, Chase Barry made a bold move for the lead, exploiting the potential tire disadvantage of Smith.
For over 10 laps, Barry stalked Smith like a predator, waiting for an opportunity to strike. But Smith, expertly managing his worn tires and navigating lapped traffic, held firm. In a display of calculated aggression and tire conservation, he crossed the finish line first to claim a hard-fought victory.
This unpredictable season opener at Charlotte provided a thrilling reminder that anything can happen on the high banks. With several drivers facing misfortune and others capitalizing on strategic choices, the series promises an exciting season ahead. The next round takes place at Auto Club Speedway, where drivers will look to build momentum and chase checkered flags.
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