DAWSONVILLE, Ga. (March 31, 2009) – Chase Elliott, son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, had a lot of eyes on him last weekend as he made his first start in a Late Model at South Georgia Motorsports Park (Cecil, Ga.) in the ASA Late Model South Series. But 13-year-old Elliott did not disappoint as he practiced, qualified and raced in the top-ten all weekend, posting an impressive sixth place finish in the No. 9 Aaron’s Dream Lucky Dog Dream Machine.
“This has just been an awesome weekend in the Aaron’s Dream Machine,” Elliott said. “When my dad came over to wish me luck before the race, I said to him, ‘Hey, it’s usually the other way around’ with me standing outside the car wishing dad good luck before the race.
“I was so excited to just get this race started since it was my first one, and now after that good run – I can’t wait for Cordele next weekend for the first GAS (Georgia Asphalt Series) race. I just can’t say thank you enough to Aaron’s, my mom and dad, all the guys on the team and all of our sponsors for helping me and giving me this awesome chance to do an amazing sport.”
With his dad’s familiar voice calling the action from the spotters’ stand, Elliott hit the track for practice – his first experience in a Late Model with other cars on-track – and recorded the eighth fastest time around the half-mile oval. He followed that up with the sixth fastest lap during qualifying, but with the eight-car inversion, Elliott started the 100-lap race from the third spot.
Elliott and the Aaron’s Dream Machine slipped to seventh early in the race, as he made his first race laps in the seat of a Late Model stockcar. The front of the field ran nose-to-tail in the same order for more than half of the event. With about 40 laps to go, Elliott picked up one position and was able to maintain his place in the running order to take the checkered flag in sixth place.
Elliott’s next stop in the No. 9 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Dream Machine LM is at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Ga., this Saturday, April 4, for the first Georgia Asphalt Series race of 2009. The event is part of the inaugural “Watermelon Twin 125s” that will see both the GAS Pro Late Models and the CRA Super Series South Super Late Models kick-off their 2009 seasons.
For more information about Chase Elliott and the Bill Elliott Racing team, please visit www.BillElliott.com.
Chase Elliott is supported by Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership; the Dawsonville Pool Room; ARP Bodies; Barnes Distribution; Bell Helmets; Bosch; ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems; Circle Racing Wheels; The Decal Source; Mechanix Wear; Mobil 1; Oakley Uniforms; Penske Racing Shocks; Pit Pal Products; Quarter Master; Racing Electronics; Seymour; Swift Springs; Winters Performance Products; WIX Filters; Xtreme Racing Products.
About Aaron’s:
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores offer customers access to high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers for sale or as a lease-ownership arrangement. Customers have the option of buying their merchandise for an attractive cash price or opting to lease their merchandise for even greater flexibility. With a lease option, customers make modest monthly payments and have the immediate use of the items they need without waiting for credit checks or other delays. Plus, Aaron’s will take care of delivery, setup, repairs, and more for the duration of a customer’s lease.
The Aaron’s concept has proven to be successful for half a century; in fact, the very first Aaron’s location opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1955. Aaron’s is a leader in the sale and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances, with more than 1,500 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. The Company also manufactures an exclusive line of furniture, bedding and accessories at 10 facilities in four states.
For more information, please visit shopaarons.com.
About Bill Elliott Racing:
In 2008, NASCAR legend Bill Elliott launched a Driver Development program as an extension of Bill Elliott Racing. Based on the principles of teamwork, strong work ethic and positive attitudes, the program aims to guide young drivers through the highs and lows of life in auto racing and to make them leaders on and off the track.
Drivers will climb through the ranks of asphalt racing, starting in the Legends Racing Series and move up to Pro Late Model stock cars – including the Georgia Asphalt Series (GAS) and ASA Racing – and onto Super Late Models in series such as the Champion Racing Association (CRA) Super Series. From there they will progress to the ARCA RE/MAX and other series that are age and talent specific. To encourage strong communication and clear feedback, drivers will also intermittently run dirt Late Models that reinforce car control and a thorough understanding of the feel of the car.
Please visit www.BillElliott.com for more information on the Bill Elliott Racing team.
- Bill Elliott Racing Press Release