ELKHART LAKE, WISC. – In his first NASCAR Xfinity Series race since 2005, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott is desperately searching for speed in preparation for Saturday afternoon’s Johnsonville 180 at Road America (Wisc.)
“I see I got a lot to learn,” Elliott told SportsNews Global Friday afternoon. “That’s what I expected, looking at everything.
“There’s just some things I need to work on to be better. It’s just hard to get in this stuff and just go. Like I keep saying, all these guys are good, or they wouldn’t be here. For me to come in and do something (exceptional right) away, would be ludicrous.
“I’ll go in and do the best I can.”
Elliott is driving the No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet oversaw by team president Mike Beam who worked with Elliott during his heyday in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in the 1990s.
With encouragement from his son, Chase Elliott and Beam, the multi-time NASCAR Cup Series most popular driver is back in the driver’s seat for the first time in more than six years and nearly 35 years after the first of his 44 Cup Series triumphs.
Elliott has never competed in any event at Road America, although he attended both races his son, Chase, competed in at the track during the 2015 and 2014 Xfinity seasons.
Elliott, 62, has said all along going into his one-off return that his primary goals were to learn about the latest generation of cars, while having some fun along the way but most of all finishing the race.
Elliott struggled in his lone practice. After losing the first session due to inclement weather, Elliott could only push his No. 23 ISM Connect Chevrolet the 26th fastest lap, more than 4 ½ seconds behind leader Justin Marks around the 4.048-mile track.
“The cars drive well,” Elliott added. “There’s just some areas I need to be better in. And I feel like I need to change the car, but I don’t know where it’s going to be in the race. So, I’m sitting here, kinda second-guessing what I should do for me.”
“I worked more on the car in a race run situation, rather than going out to try to qualify. But it’s interesting. It’s been a lot of fun.”
The Dawsonville, Ga. native qualified his No. 23 ISM Connect Chevrolet 23rd for Saturday afternoon’s penultimate road course race of the season.
“I’m really looking forward to the race and how that unfolds because I feel like that’s always been my strong suit,” Elliott said. “Once you get in the race, you kind of judge off everybody where you’re at, where you’re good, where you’re not and what you need to do.
“I’m kind of like everyone else, I’ve watched a lot of video. I was here the two years Chase raced. Chase ran good (fourth in both appearances) and I got his notes. Maybe he’ll be a good coach for me.
“I’m going to make the best of it and have a good time. I don’t have a clue how it’ll turn out, but we’ll see.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
