By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
For the first time since 2012 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Hall of Famer Bill Elliott made competitive laps in the No. 23 ISM Connect Chevrolet for GMS Racing at Road America.
The “rookie” driver qualified 23rd around the 4.048-mile facility in Wisconsin early Saturday afternoon. Once the green flag flew in the Johnsonville 180, Elliott began the learning process under race conditions.
In the early stages of the race, Elliott collected some damage after running into the back of another car as the field checked up for a spin by Brandon Jones. The No. 23 team went to work to fix the damage on the Chevrolet.
Because they had to come to pit road to fix damage, the team began to play the strategy game for track position. Elliott worked his way into the top-10, but after getting off the course and other circumstance, he finished in the 20th position.
Despite finishing 20th, Elliott had fun being back in a car.
“It was a great day. It was heck of a lot of fun. I felt like I needed more through nine to 10 and the carousel to carry more speed there. I feel like I gave up too much in three. I was not too bad in five through eight. I got free down in 11. All in all, it was a good day,” Elliott said post-race.
With the need for multiple spotters at Road America, Elliott tapped his son, Chase, to be one of his turn spotters. According to Bill, the help from Chase was “not enough”.
“He didn’t say much. He didn’t help me enough. Obviously, he needs to do a better job. Next time, we will put him in the car,” Bill jokingly said.
Could Elliott hop back into the car again? Not quite
“I doubt it. This was a lot of fun and a good time. These guys are serious racers. All these kids are really good. I felt like I held on fairly good for where I am at in my career and what I was trying to do. It’s hard to put it all together.”