Rick Everett Beats Greg Bartlett To The Checkered Flag

Rick Everett... 2006 Shootout Champion!

Rick Everett quieted all the critics that said Excalibur Racing's horsepower was not good enough to beat Bill Schneider and Eric Brundies in this year's IRC Shootout.  Everett, known as the "Ironman" of the Cup Series, not only won the event, but did it in dramatic fashion by edging out Greg Bartlett at the line.  He qualified in 4th and quickly passed the front runners to move into the top spot, leading the most laps at 18.  

"This was a good run for us," said Everett in Victory Lane. "I hope to take this momentum with us to the 300 next week."

Rookie Greg Bartlett's strong showing was in his first Shootout as he advanced from the Open event.  This turned many heads to wonder if he could back it up in the Daytona 300.  Pole sitter Eric Brundies finished in 3rd.  Everett's Excalibur teammate Chris Blalock also showed muscle to finish in 4th, and past Shootout and Daytona 300 Champion Bill Schneider rounded out the top 5.