Michigan drivers Brian Campbell and Eric Jones took their talents to Lanier Speedway this past weekend to start their 2011 race seasons. Campbell pulled double duty racing in both the Pro Late Model division and the CRA Super Late Model Division. Jones and Ben VanDoorn the crew chief from (Johnny VanDoorns) KAOS Race team concentrated their efforts in the Pro Late Model Division.
Qualifying Saturday earned Campbell a 16th place starting spot in his Perfect Circle Racing Chassis Pro Late Model for the 150 lap event Sunday. Campbell was clocked as the fastest in practice Saturday in his CRA Super Late Model but fell off in qualifying earning him the tenth starting position for their 200 lap event. The 15 year old Jones Qualified an impressive eighth for Sunday's event.
The Pro Late Model Division saw impressive runs by both Campbell and Jones. Campbell patiently worked his way from 16th all the way to fourth with just ten laps to go. Campbell was challenging for the third spot with six laps to go when the caution flag waved. A double file restart put Campbell in the out side groove where he battled to keep him self in the top ten. Ultimately Campbell finished 8th. Jones efforts continues to gain valuable seat time. Not too many drivers let lone one that is 15 can exhibit the patience and focus he continues to show. Jones hung out in the top fifteen all day staying out of trouble. When the checkered was wave he captured a tenth place finish.
Campbell CRA event went our early. On lap 67 Campbell was caught up in an accident that ended his day. He finished 31st in the running order.
Both events were won by Bill Elliot's son Chase who is the hottest shoe in racing outside of NASCAR. Elliot won the Pro Model Event crossing the line a fender ahead of Duane Buggey. Elliot lead the most laps in the event. In the Super Late Model CRA event Elliot again led the most laps and the most important one.
If you have not had he chance to see Chase Elliot race in person, you are missing out. It is my opinion that he is the next, Kyle Busch of NASCAR without the rough edges. It is too bad we will have to wait three more years to see his talents in NASCAR. But then again we don't have to pay NASCAR ticket prices to watch him now.
Note: Muskegon's Mike Garvey withdrew his CRA Super Late Model entry after practice Friday due to engine problems. Garvey ranked in the top 10 during practice He was hired to drive a third entry from the Greg Simpson Racing.
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