Ryan Gustin clinched victory in dramatic fashion at the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals opener at Volusia Speedway Park, securing his 11th World of Outlaws Late Models career win despite engine troubles in the closing laps.

Gustin dominated early after starting from the outside front row, following his Simpson Quick Time Award and Heat Race win. The race featured intense battles with Nick Hoffman, who briefly led for 15 laps until a mistake in Turn 2 cost him the lead.

The final stages saw Jonathan Davenport mounting pressure on Gustin, whose engine began smoking heavily. Despite the mechanical issues, Gustin held on for the win, with Davenport finishing second and Cody Overton achieving a career-best third place after starting 23rd.

Key Race Highlights:

• Ethan Dotson finished fourth, earning Rookie of the Race honors
• Tim McCreadie completed the top five in the Boom Briggs-owned No. 9M
• Cody Overton earned the Fox Factory Hard Charger award
• First race with new crew chief Cody Mallory proved successful for Gustin

Feature Results (Top 5):

1. Ryan Gustin
2. Jonathan Davenport
3. Cody Overton
4. Ethan Dotson
5. Tim McCreadie

The event continues with Saturday night's $20,000-to-win DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals finale at Volusia Speedway Park, available for streaming on DIRTVision.

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