BEAST Stick Elliott Memorial set for this Saturday @ Cherokee Speedway
Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney S.C is set to host the BEAST series for the 28th running of the Stick Elliott Memorial on August the 4th
The 2012 event will pay $4,000 to the winner. One of several memorials held at Cherokee Speedway each season for the super late models. The Stick Elliott race hits home for people in the local community. Stick was from nearby Shelby N.C. His daughters were raised in Gaffney S.C which is also the home of Cherokee Speedway.
Born Gene Daves and known to most as Stick Elliott, this race honors the Shelby NASCAR and dirt track star. Elliott competed against the likes of Ralph Earnhardt and Billy Scott on the Carolina clay. Stick collected over 400 career feature victories, with 106 of them from 1967-69 while driving for Toy Bolton. He drove a Ralph Earnhardt-owned car in 1973, winning 18 straight races. Carolina legend has it that Stick tutored Dale Earnhardt on how to race on dirt while stacking up his 9 track championships at Metrolina Speedway in Charlotte, NC. He had 93 NASCAR’ starts from 1962-71. 'Stick Elliot' lost his life to Cryptococcal Meningitis on November 1st, 1981. “’Stick’ Elliott was one of the hardest drivers to ever come out of this area. He was an icon to the sport,” said Cherokee Speedway announcer Kevin Wray.
“It is one event I look forward to each year, it is great that Charlotte (Sticks wife) and her daughters can come out to this race each year.” stated series director Timmy Mcabee. “The last few years have been pretty touching, as Sticks grandchildren have been able to come out and see the race that honors their grandfather. It is ironic as I had the privilege of going through school and even living in the same neighborhood with two of Stick’s daughters and never knew who their father was until the 11th grade” added Mcabee.
Cherokee Speedway Promoter Lennie Buff followed by saying “The Stick race has always been a staple here at Cherokee Speedway. We intend to continue to work with the Daves family and keep it here at home.”
2012 has been an extremely competitive year thus far for the drivers. No driver has yet to visit victory circle more than one time. “The Mac Daddy” Dale Mcdowell picked up the most recent win in Beast competition as he ousted the field on July 3rd also at Gaffney. Other drivers to visit victory lane in 2012 include Ross Bailes, Johnny Pursley, Casey Roberts and “Rambo” Dennis Franklin.
Johnny Pursley will lead the BEAST drivers into Cherokee Speedway as he currently holds the points lead over Casey Roberts, Ross Bailes, Mike Gault and Jeff Smith. “We know all of those guys we are racing are tough to beat, they want a championship just like we do. This makes Bobby and the crew work even harder on the car. We have to be on top of our game at every race.” stated Pursley.
Past winners of the Stick Elliot Memorial Race include Mike Duvall, Rambo Dennis Franklin, Chris Madden, Casey Roberts and defending race winner Chris Ferguson
Beast Series Tire Rule : Hoosier 1300:1350:1600 / American Racer 44:48:56
For information on "THE BEAST SERIES" please visit us online at www.racethebeast.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BEASTRacingSeries.
Cherokee Speedway will open its gates at 4 PM on Saturday and the drivers meeting is scheduled for 7:30 with racing to begin at 8 PM.
Cherokee Speedway is conveniently located off of I-85 exit 96 in Gaffney, SC. Physical Address is 153 Speedway Drive in Gaffney, SC 29341. Track phone is (864) 489-1969. More info can be found online at www.cherokeespeedwaysc.com and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cherokeespeedway for the most up to date Speedway information.
The BEAST 2012 Schedule
April 21st - Cherokee Speedway Rambo Dennis Franklin
April 28th - Gordon Park Johnny Pursley
May 11th - Carolina Speedway Ross Bailes
June 19th - Laurens Speedway Casey Roberts
July 3rd - Cherokee Speedway Dale McDowell
August 4th - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC.) "Stick Elliott Memorial"
September 1st- Harris Speedway (Rutherfordton, NC.)
September 2nd - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney SC.) "Hall Of Fame Race"
October 13th - Travelers Rest Speedway (Travelers Rest, SC.)
The BEAST Series sponsors include: PPM Products, VP Racing Fuels, Hoosier Tires, American Race Tires, Big A's Custom Graphics, SRI-Supplies, Steel & Stock Car Aluminum Inc., Velocita & Thomas Clarke Performance
For More Series Information Please Contact:
Timmy Mcabee 864-761-6039
Clint Elkins 980-429-0398
Technical Questions: Chester Brooks 704-200-7379
Media Relations: Jason Curd - Dirtmanjc@aol.com
Prepared by JCRacing Promotions
K&L RUMLEY ENTERPRISE with Steve Shaver
