Thursday, March 26, 2009

Chase Elliott to Make First Late Model Start at South Georgia Motorsports Park

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. - Chase Elliott will mark a major career milestone this weekend when he climbs behind the wheel of the No. 9 Aaron's Lucky Dog Dream Machine for his first Late Model start at South Georgia Motorsports Park (Cecil, Ga.) in the ASA Late Model South Series on Saturday, March 28. "I'm really excited about making my first Late Model start this weekend at South Georgia," Elliott said. "We're just looking to get some more experience and seat time in this car. We tested at Lanier last weekend, and everything went really well. I think we'll make a good run this weekend as long as we can stay out of trouble. I just can't thank everyone enough for giving me this opportunity, especially Aaron's, my mom and dad and everyone at the shop - I couldn't do any of this without them." Thirteen-year-old Elliott tested the Aaron's Lucky Dog Dream Machine last weekend at Lanier National Speedway (Braselton, Ga.) for his first laps in an asphalt Late Model. Elliott's crew chief Ricky Tuner, a former Late Model champion, was impressed by the second-generation driver's efforts. "I was really impressed with Chase at the test," Turner said. "Working with him on the car and listening to him communicate over the radio, he's definitely ready to make this next step. I think this is going to be a big year for him." The ASA Late Model Series, "America's Premier Short Track Series," has been a stepping stone for many NASCAR drivers, including 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year, Landon Cassill; 2009 ROTY candidate, John Wes Townley; Stephen Leicht; Kelley Bires; James Buescher; and Michael Annett. Both Cassill and Townley are expected to start the South Georgia 100 at SGMP. Gates at SGMP open Saturday at 5:00 pm with qualifying followed by an on-track "meet and greet" autograph session during pre-race ceremonies. Racing is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm. Advanced tickets are available by calling the ASA Late Model Series office at 800-385-2503; tickets will also be available at the track the night of the event. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-11 and five and under are free. SGMP is located at 2521 Hwy 41 North, Cecil, GA 31627, just 12 miles north of Valdosta, Ga., at exit 32 on I-75. For more information about SGMP, please visit www.racesgmp.com or call the track at 229-896-7000.

Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Fan Forum!