ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (May 10, 2011) – The big story coming out of last year’s Carolina 200 race weekend at Rockingham Speedway was 14-year-old Chase Elliott and his dominance of the Sunoco National Tour race.
While his USAR Pro Cup outing that weekend at the Rock was slightly less successful, it became apparent to anyone watching that the young Chase had learned a thing or two about wheeling a race car from his dad, 1988 NASCAR Cup Champion Bill Elliott.
Among the folks watching was NASCAR owner Rick Hendrick, the possessor of 10 Cup Championships, who signed Chase to a driver development deal earlier this year, which has led to a jam-packed race schedule for the 15-year-old in 2011. A schedule that includes a return to Rockingham Speedway for the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service in a USAR Pro Cup car.
“Chase is an amazing talent,” said Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg.
“What he did in that Sunoco race last year was pretty remarkable. Not only was he incredibly fast, but his times in that race were incredibly consistent.
“It’ll be interesting to see how much better this kid has gotten in the last year.”
Racing action gets underway on May 12 with a practice for the cars of the UARA and USAR Pro Cup Series. General admission to the grandstands is free on Thursday. Friday, May 13 is pole day for USAR and UARA with fans admitted to the grandstands for $5. The Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service gets underway Saturday, May 14 with the UARA Late Models rolling off at 12 noon to be followed by the USAR 150-miler. Tickets, starting at $20 in advance, and suite packages are still available. To order tickets for the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service, contact the Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Chase Elliott (No. 9 Aaron’s Ford Mustang) dominated the Sunoco National Tour race at Rockingham Speedway last year. The 15-year-old son of 1988 Winston Cup Champion Bill Elliott makes his Rockingham Speedway return this Saturday in the USAR Pro Cup portion of the Carolina 200.
