Young Elliott wants to keep racing tradition in family (cont'd)

In the summer of 2007, Chase was ready for the Legends Racing Series in the Bandolero Bandits division at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Thursday Thunder Series where he earned rookie of the year. In the 2007-2008 winter season, Chase moved up to the Bandolero Young Guns division and won 10 of 12 starts, capturing championships in both the AMS Winter Flurry Series and the Georgia Winter Series.

Finally last summer, Chase graduated to the Legends Semi-Pro division where he was one of the youngest competitors in the field in both the AMS Thursday Thunder Series and the Summer Shootout Series at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

He earned his first victory in the fall and went on to win the Georgia State Championship Semi-Pro title.

Chase also made his first start in the Legends Car Asphalt Nationals in October, where he was the youngest driver in the Semi-Pro field.

For his competition, Chase missed several days at Kings Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta, Ga. But it's an independent college prep school built to accommodate the needs of children with unique goals. Some students are allowed extended leaves to perform on Broadway while others practice for parts in movies.

For Chase, who is extremely focused on becoming a NASCAR driver, the school provides him with a well-rounded educational experience not found at a race shop or racetrack.

"I thought I was going to be able to convince him to be a doctor or golf pro but he is intent on becoming a driver. He's got real conviction in those eyes," Cindy said. "But now that he's focusing on driving, that allows me to focus on other aspects of his life and that is education. It's the most important thing for us right now."

Because at 18, Cindy said, her son's life could be "out of her hands."

"I've been around the sport since I was born," Chase said. "I'd rather not do anything else. I want to be with my dad and be a part of the tradition."

Last month, Chase and his family's Bill Elliott Driver Development program announced their son's 2009 plans: Chase is set to pilot the No. 9 Aaron's Lucky Dog Dream Machine Legends racecar in the Semi-Pro division.

"I feel like the lucky dog having Aaron's as my primary sponsor," Chase said. "I think it is awesome to work with the Robin Loudermilk [CEO of Aaron Rents Inc.] because they are a father-son team like my dad and me. I am looking forward to driving the No. 9 Aaron's Lucky Dog Dream Machine in 2009."

Spoken like a true NASCAR driver.

Video
• Beyond Pit Road: Chase Elliott
• Bill Elliott Driver Development