This past weekend at Sunset Speedway, Canadian motorsports history was recognized as Gary Elliott made his 700th consecutive start behind the wheel. In a combination of Canadian Vintage Modified events, Late Model events and Hanover Holiday OSCAAR Modified events, Elliott hasn’t missed a night of racing since June 5th, 1987.
“First, I thank God for bringing all of these things together,” Elliott stated in his post-event press release. “My family for their support and dedication, my crew and friends who at times stayed up all night to make sure we got to the next race. Thanks to our fantastic sponsors, especially Quaker State for being with us for this incredible streak and long before. To all our suppliers, engine builders, and repair shops for making sure our parts and repairs were ready for the next race….and to many who gave me the parts, the car, or engine, and with grace said I could pay later. To the race track promoters and owners who supported me, we say thank you.”
In celebration of the milestone, Elliott gave away 400 Frisbees to the fans in the stands, as well as four kids bikes to lucky winners of the draws.
Unfortunately, Gary Elliott didn’t have the night that he was looking for at Sunset Speedway as both days this past weekend, the veteran struggled as a result of steering issues on his No. 36 Lincoln Electric Modified. Elliott posted that the problem was fixed and he is set to head to Capital City Speedway this weekend.
While it marks the inaugural trip to the 3/8 mile for the Hanover Holiday OSCAAR Modifieds, it also marks the first trip for Elliott despite the numerous years of experience behind the wheel. Elliott will be looking for his first career OSCAAR victory following a second place finish at Barrie Speedway last month. The victory would mark no surprise based on the speed that Elliott has shown already behind the wheel of the modified, and has previous open-wheel experience in running with the Canadian Vintage Modifieds.
