Teen Phenom Coming to Race in Grand Rapids

Chase Elliott, 15, among confirmed competitors for Arena Racing's AMP Energy 150 at DeltaPlex


Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press

West Michigan stock car racing fans saw just how talented Chase Elliott is when the teenage sensation competed at the Berlin Raceway this past spring.

Fans will get a second look at the 15-year-old rising star next month.

Arena Racing of Grand Rapids officials announced Thursday that Elliott will participate in the AMP Energy Drink 150 at the DeltaPlex Arena in Walker.

Elliott, the son of 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bill Elliott, was runner-up in Berlin’s June 17 CRA Super Series Rowdy’s Revenge 251 to Kyle Busch.

Elliott’s competed in 12 races in 2010, including the prestigious Winchester 400. He also won this past weekend’s Snowflake 100 at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla.

“It is good to see someone like Chase and the Aaron’s team starting their 2011 with us here at Arena Racing Grand Rapids,” said race director Jack Gritter in a press release. “With $1,000 to win the feature and the fact that we are allowing both Arena cars and Mini Cup cars to participate, it should be a great night of racing for everyone.

“We also have the Quarter Midgets racing so you will see a lot of racing from both young and old that night.”

Arena Racing officials announced this past October that it was canceling its third season of competition. However, drivers and officials have worked together to bring racing back for the Jan. 8 special event. In addition, a title sponsor in AMP Energy Drink has been secured for the program.

“We are excited to announce that Pepsi will sponsor the Jan. 8 race with their energy drink AMP,” said Arena Racing general manager Peter Jackson.

Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased at the DeltaPlex box office or online at ticketmaster.com. Race cars also are available. Contact Jackson at (616) 364-9000 for more information.