(March 30, 2024) Fayetteville, NC – Michael Rouse from Wilson, N.C., claimed victory in Saturday’s thrilling $5,000 Nut Up or Shut Up season opener at Fayetteville Motor Speedway, leading all 40 laps with ease. This marks his fifth career triumph in the Vision Wheel Steel Block Bandits Dirt Late Model Challenge Series, bringing him within striking distance of Dustin Mitchell, the leader on the tour’s all-time wins list.
Reflecting on his win, Rouse emphasized the crucial role of his crew, stating, “Everybody thinks when they climb in these race cars it’s all about the driver, but it’s all about these guys that work on this thing every weekend.” Despite initial doubts about his old car, Rouse and his team revamped it over the winter, and it paid off handsomely on race day. He navigated through lapped traffic with caution, grateful for the timely cautions that didn’t disrupt his rhythm on the track.
Russell Erwin secured the runner-up spot, trailing Rouse by 0.890 of a second, with Tyler Bare rounding out the podium finishers. Dustin Mitchell fought his way back to fourth place after a setback on lap 14, while reigning series champ Derick Quade settled for seventh.
Notable performances include Derrick Rankin, who started 20th and finished a commendable sixth, and Landen Zakalowski, who gained eight positions to finish 11th.
Rouse’s winning ride, a Longhorn Chassis by Wesley Page powered by a Rouse Racing Engine, is proudly sponsored by Scott Farms International, Love Sweet Potatoes, Robert’s Engines & Used Auto Parts, Curtis Insulation, Red Moon Contractors, WP Racing Shocks, and Three Aces Speed Shop.
In the points chase after Fayetteville, Rouse leads the pack with 55 points, closely followed by Russell Erwin with 54 points and Tyler Bare with 53 points.
The season opener boasted a strong turnout with 25 cars competing. Rouse also clinched the fast qualifier and polesitter positions, setting the tone for an exciting race. With the next series race set for April 6 at Sumter Speedway, offering a hefty $7,500 prize, fans can expect another thrilling showdown on the dirt track.
Feature Results
- Michael Rouse (1)
- Russell Erwin (3)
- Tyler Bare (2)
- Dustin Mitchell (4)
- Michael Batten (5)
- Derrick Rankin (20)
- Derick Quade (7)
- Matthew Bissette (6)
- Michael Marlowe (8)
- Dan Breuer (11)
- Landon Zakalowski (19)
- Bobby Liles (21)
- Dylan Watson (16)
- Bradley McCaskill (13)
- Shaun Harrell (24)
- AJ Belanger (22)
- Roger Lucas (17)
- Ronnie Long (25)
- Robbie Emory (15)
- Dale Moore (12)
- Timmy Mills (9)
- Zach Cox (14)
- Timmy Blackwell (18)
- Todd Frank (10)
- Daniel Tucker (23)
