35 cars attempted to make the field at the 2nd Gas Series event at Anderson Motor Speedway. After an eventful first outing for the team, Elliott and crew were looking to escape Anderson’s bullring with another good finish and minimal damage to prepare for the upcoming run at the big tracks (see schedule).

Practice started out well with are initial set-up being pretty good, but with chilly temperatures and minimal grip on the track it was hard to tell what to expect come race time. After the first practice session the team discovered a leak in the radiator that had to be repaired. Adam, Jack and Allen took to the task, the hot oil and water did not make for a fun environment but as always the team came together and we were back on the track in less than twenty minutes. With a few minor changes to the set-up and our best guess at weather conditions for qualifying Elliott was pleased with the car.

The field was to be set via time only, with 28 cars scheduled to take the green flag rules dictate that unless there are ten more cars then the published starting field all cars qualify on time with no last chance race.
This obviously meant that they would send cars packing that did not qualify in the top 28. We drew a good qualifying spot toward the rear of the field however dropping temperatures were reeking havoc with many of the competitors. At least 5 cars took a spin during their qualifying run making for a very nervous atmosphere. Elliott rolled out of the pits and made his run, with a 16.0 Elliott securely put the car in the 9th starting spot for the race. Elliott commented on the slick conditions and felt as though he was on ice skates. Nonetheless we were safely in the field and anxious to start the race knowing full well it was going to be an interesting evening of racing.

Our race began with temperatures in the low 30’s making it very comfortable for the driver but bitterly cold for the crew. The slick conditions immediately became evident as on the first lap the car directly in front of us spun in turn one, Elliott was able to avoid the pile up and prepare for a second restart, not bad moving up two spots before the race even started. But cold tires and a cold track were reason to be more than patient until the field could settle in. The race was waved green again and all cars seemed to settle down to get some laps in. Elliott immediately radioed in with his satisfaction for the car and in no time at all Elliott cruised into the fourth spot. As the top four pulled away from the field Elliott was content to ride for a few laps, again just to log laps. The riding along was short lived, as Elliott’s car was just too good to stay put. He dropped under the 3rd and then the 2nd place cars to take over the second spot.

Riding in first was a long time friend and racer of the team Frederick Moore. Elliott and Moore have a history of battling years ago in the Parts Pro Truck Series. Elliott and crew have raced with Moore since the truck days and more than once have enjoyed their team’s help at the track. Both drivers have had great respect for each other and are both seasoned veterans of the game. In fact I often spot with Frederick’s spotter Rick and discuss racing, life and other high priority topics of the world.

As Elliott approached Moore several cautions delayed our attempts at the top spot. It became apparent our car was a little better than Moore’s on longer runs. Moore could pull a few car lengths in the first five laps of a restart but Dave and the Team Clean Monte Carlo would reel him in after eight or so laps. With less than forty laps to go of the 100-lap event Moore bobbled off of turn two and Elliott made his move. Elliott came alongside Moore on the back straight away inching ever closer to clearing his car. Here comes the unlucky part, several car lengths in front of the two leaders (and both cars had checked out from the field almost amassing a full straight away lead on third place) was a lapped car, I believe this car was already involved in other incidents and was more than one lap down to the field. In the drivers meeting it was discussed more than once that this track was tight and that lapped cars need to stay at the very bottom of the track when being over taken by the lead lap cars. Un fortunately for us, apparently this driver and his spotter didn’t comprehend this simple request. The car in question remained in the middle of track until entering the 3rd turn. Elliott at that point had the option of going low pinning Moore behind the lapper or getting off the gas and riding around the car relinquishing the lead back to Moore. Elliott’s hand was immediately forced when both he and Moore reached the lapper, at this point the light must of went on in this guys head and he realizes he has to get low. Needless to say Elliott attempted to maneuver high around the lapped vehicle as Moore was coming down to occupy the same space, yes it truly was, and pardon the cliché one of those racing deals. Elliott and Moore made contact, Elliott spun, and Moore continued on unchallenged to win the race.

Elliott was relegated to the rear of the field; with just 30 laps remaining Elliott found himself in 16th place. With no time to spare Elliott carved his way back through the ravaged depths of the carnaged masses that was left on the track. Elliott cracked the top ten with less than ten to go and eventually salvaged a must deserved 7th place.

The Team clean ride finds itself 6th place in points, only a few markers from the top. The encouraging news is we know we have a great piece; we have escaped the two beginning short track shows with top ten results and minimal damage. So with a little luck, a few less lappers the lead will eventually be bestowed upon us at the finish of one of these shows.

As always we want to express our thanks to those who support us, Ultrapure Technology, Don’s collision Service, The Tire Omni and The Winking Lizard Taverns.

Also we couldn’t do it with out our crew, who by the way has really stepped up their enthusiasm and dedication to the team. Adam, Allen, Dewitt, Jack, and Danny

See at the next race, in victory lane !

The gas season opener was as exciting as it gets. 41 cars attempted to qualify for the 150 lap main event.

The Team Clean crew had tested earlier in the week at Lanier National and was ready for opening day. After a short practice session Elliott rolled off the line for qualifying. With such a large field it was imperative to qualify in the top twenty to secure a starting spot in the feature show. All remaining cars who did not qualify in the top 20 would be forced to run in a 25 lap last chance race (otherwise known as the hooligan race) to fill the remaining starting positions. Officials had limited the field to 30, 20 via fast time, and 6 from the last chance race, 2 Gas series provisionals and 2 Lanier Speedway (promoters) provisionals. That obviously meant they were sending 11 cars packing for the night.

Elliott ripped off a 13.66-qualifying lap that was good enough for 10 place, safely in the show. The driver and crew were happy with the set-up and anxiously awaited the start of the event. Elliott was less than ½ of a tenth of a second out of qualifying in the top 5.

The green flag flew and as luck would have it another competitor felt obligated to make a dash for the front on the first lap. The failed attempt cost us a spin and minor contact in turn two of the first lap. Officials scrambled to restart the race relegating the involved parties to the rear of the field. So goes our tenth starting spot we were now starting the race in 29th.

It was going to be a long race with live pit stops and plenty of action we just didn’t need it on the first lap. Upon the restart, Elliott settled in and began his pursuit to the front. From this point forward I am happy to report the 15 car was never passed all night, Elliott masterly weaved his way through traffic and some very good competitors to find himself cracking the top ten by lap 100. Elliott then was able to pass two more cars and was knocking on the door of the 7th and 6th place cars with just a handful of laps to go. Unfortunately a few late cautions limited our charge and Elliott crossed the line in a remarkable 8th place finish. Elliott also lost radio contact with fewer than 15 laps to go which could have been a disaster.

Needless to say we know we have a great car that is capable of winning we just need a few lucky breaks to go our way. We are very satisfied with the weekend’s results and cant wait for the next event.

As always thanks to all the crew this weekend for an outstanding job. We also appreciated the support in the stands from our supporters, family and friends. Please visit our photos page for a few pictures of the new car, thanks to Adam Welten, Dave and Allen for a great paint job.

Look forward to seeing you at the track.