Elliott recovers to record top ten at GAS opener
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.
