Richmond ‘No Place Better’ for Sadler’s Return Race

By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer

For the first time in 2019, Elliott Sadler will be behind the wheel of a racecar. And at no place better than the Virginian’s home track of Richmond Raceway.

Driving the No. 10 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing, the 43-year-old is thrilled to be back at the track following his retirement from full-time racing after 2018.

In fact, the transition from full-time racer to full-time dad has been easier than ever.

“I definitely made the right decision stepping away full-time,” Sadler said. “I was worried when Daytona came — how I was going to feel and how I would take it. But it was right on my son’s birthday and we had a cool birthday party.”

Following an eight-year run in the Xfinity Series, Sadler ended his career with four runner-up finishes in the championship and zero wins at Richmond. Though the first stat will not change, the second one is on Sadler’s hit list for Friday’s ToyotaCare 250.

“I loved coming here as a fan when I was a kid,” he said. “My mom and dad brought me here, it used to be the third race of the year, 12 degrees. We would have a ball sitting on the frontstretch. Now, my kids can come back and enjoy the time with me like I did with my dad. It’s very special.”

With more family time during this five-month haitus from the car, Sadler is more than fulfilled in his career decision.

“I get to stay home and watch my niece go play softball tomorrow and my kids play baseball Friday night, Saturday and Sunday,” he said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.

“It was edfintiely the right thing ot do. This definitely cures the itch being back here at Richmond. I don’t regret my decision at all. I love being a fan of the sport and watching on TV.”

Sadler had plenty of friends welcome the veteran back home.

“It was neat to see a lot of my friends in the garage this morning,” he said. “To get a lot of texts and phone calls from guys who some times you don’t know if they’re paying attention [to you] or not. It was cool.”

Partnering with team owner Matthew Kaulig, it was Sadler’s decision to run his first race at Richmond. He will return in the fall at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where he plans to end his career officially.

“I really want these two races to be my last,” he said. “Matt Kaulig opened his doors for us to come run his No. 10 car for a couple races. They did a great job at Daytona. It’s a unique situation — but at the end of the day, if I can help give someone a good opportunity to get into the sport like someone gave me, it’s worth it.”