Chase Elliott crowned 2009 GAS Series champion

BRASELTON -– Most 13-year-olds are concerned about getting good grades, wanting to go to the mall, driving, and what’s the newest video game to play. Chase Elliott's main concern is also driving, but the 13-year-old from Dawsonville isn't worried about getting out and learning in the cul-de-sac -- he's a little more advanced than that and proved it this year by earning the Georgia Asphalt Series Champion title.

Elliott, driving the No. 9 Aaron’s Dream Machine, Bill Elliott Racing Ford recorded two wins, six top fives, and nine top 10s in the GAS Series 2009 season. Elliott also captured the 2009 GAS Rookie of the Year honors.

“With the announcement that Fairgrounds Speedway at Nashville has officially canceled the All-American Weekend for the 2009 season, and it will not be rescheduled this will bring a close to the 2009 season,” said GAS Series general manager Terry Roberts. “We would like to congratulate and thank everyone that competed with us this year, and congratulations to Chase Elliott, and the entire Bill Elliott Racing team for a great year.”

Heading into the final race of the 2009 GAS Season, Elliott’s teammate, Casey Roderick entered the gates of Lanier National Speedway looking for a great night. Roderick’s sights were fine tuned, as he collected the win on Sept. 5, and finished second in the title chase, being only a scant five points off the lead. He did, however, earn the Super 6 championship by scoring the most points in the six GAS Series races that occurred at Lanier National Speedway.

Finishing third in points and recording two wins earlier in the season was Acworth’s TJ Reaid. Reaid also had a strong run at the title, being 58 points short of the top points position while recording six top fives, and eight top 10s in 2009. Lanier National Speedway Pro Late Model Series champion Shane Sawyer collected fourth, and Greg Simpson rounded out the top five.

Up next, and concluding the 2009 season, will be the race for the trophies as the championship banquet will be held on Nov. 22.

For more information on the Georgia Asphalt Series, or the GAS Series home track, Lanier National Speedway visit the fastest site on the web at www.lanierspeedway.com. The 2010 GAS Series schedule will be released shortly and will be sure to pack all of the racing excitement that fans and teams alike experienced in the 2009 season.