Newbie News: Austin Langenstein is Bridesmaid in Summer Shoot Out

Austin Langenstein, dubbed the "Prodigy in Training" thanks to his racing bloodline, secured a second place finish in the Young Guns Bandolero division in the Summer Shoot Out this past week at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Young Austin was a bridesmaid again, just like the driver for whom Austin's dad Charlie works.  Charlie Langenstein works at Hendrick Motorsports for both the No. 48 and No. 24 teams and, just like Austin, Jeff Gordon finished second as well this weekend in the Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Langenstein's second place finish, however, brings him even closer to the lead in points in the coveted Young Gun competition.  His goal is to win this competition, which will hopefully catapult him to the next level in his racing career.

Langenstein won his heat race in preparation for the big race.  This was the second straight week of winning the heat race.

"The car was great during the practice session and we were spot on during the race tonight," stated Austin.

After winning the heat race, Langenstein then had the privilege of starting second in the 20 lap main event.

The start of the race was a wild one, with racers, including Langenstein, three wide going into the first turn.  Langenstein backed out a bit and settled into the fifth position.

But then the young driver knew it was time to go and picked up the pace.  Langenstein moved forward, taking positions one by one and by lap eight, he was running in the second spot.

For the last few laps, Langenstein battled Justin Carroll for the lead.  "I got to Justin's rear bumper and that was the best we could do with him tonight," said Langenstein.

The young racer continued, "A few restarts helped us get close up on him, but I was just a little tight in the middle to be able to get around the No. 57 car (of Justin Carroll).  I even looked a few times to the outside and there was just not enough up there to pull off the pass."

Austin said simply, "We just got beat this evening by a better car.  It is just that simple."

This "young gun" was, however, satisfied with the second place run, especially with double points on the line for the evening in the Shoot Out.  The top five finishing order was:

1.   Justin Carroll

2.   Austin Langenstein

3.   Luke Demis

4.   Evan Bell

5.   Annabeth Barnes

"We are half way through the Summer Shoot Out Series," said Langenstein.  "And I think within the next few weeks it will be very clear who the players will be as we bring this thing to a close."

Langenstein continued, "I'm just going to do my homework and be sure we put ourselves in a position to capitalize on things within the next few weeks."

As this driver headed off to pack up the car and go back home, he said, "We will be just fine."

There is no doubt that Austin, his father and the rest of his family will be hard at work preparing the car and their driver for the next big race in the Summer Shoot Out series. 

For more information on Austin Langenstein or his sponsors, visit his website at www.austinlangenstein.com.