Huntersville, North Carolina (Tuesday, July 7, 2015): Simply put, Cole Rouse cannot catch a break. The 17-year-old Arkansas native was once again fast at I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Missouri, but a mechanical failure just after the 100-lap break ended his night early. It has been “one of those” seasons, if it weren’t for bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all.
On Saturday, July 4, 2015, Rouse and nearly 40 other drivers attempted to qualify for the Mercy Masters of the Pros 144. The 144-lap event at I-44 Speedway (Mo.) is now considered one of the marquee Pro Late Model events in the country. Rouse qualified 17th due to an early qualifying draw. The Arkansas teenager had been top-five on the speed charts all weekend. When the race began, he moved forward quickly, racing and passing drivers such as Joe Gibbs Racing Development Driver and 2013 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance Champion, Cody Coughlin. At lap 103, Rouse slowed off turn two and brought his No. 20 Kevin Crider Motorsports Toyota Camry to pit road and reported a broken rear end. He finished 26th.
“We can’t catch a break,” Rouse said. “I think we are going to put our other car together. It might only be in our heads, but it feels like this car is cursed. We were certainly fast, just like we have been all year, but we just can’t catch a break. If it weren’t for bad luck, we wouldn’t have any luck this season.”
Rouse and his Kevin Crider Motorsports team will continue their busy 2015 season following this weekend. The No. 20 team will make many trips both north and south during the second half of the season looking to pick up their first win of the season.
Rouse’s No. 20 Pro and Super Late Models are sponsored by Rouse Custom Homes, McGunegill Engine Performance, and Kevin Crider Motorsports.
