What To Look For In 2011

Many of those polled felt this is a scene we'll see a lot more of in 2011 - Chase Elliott pulling into Victory Lane. Photo by Justin Poole/Courtesy GMP Media

With 2010 in the rearview mirror, what does 2011 hold in store for Georgia’s racing scene?

According to those polled, we’ll be hearing Gordon Pirkle’s siren in Dawsonville go off a whole lot more in the new year.

“The biggest story of 2011 will be whatever Chase Elliott does,” Rick Minter wrote.  “If he backs up his performance of this year, it’ll be big. If he doesn’t, it’ll be newsworthy too.”

“The biggest story in 2011 will be 15-year-old Chase Elliott’s budding racing career,” said Jeff Hood.  “The second generation driver will visit victory lane at least 15 times at various races around the country and leave NASCAR wondering if they need to re-examine their age policy, which prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from competing in their top three national touring series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and the Camping World Truck Series).”

Speed51.com’s Elgin Traylor said 2011 will be about trying to catch the number 9 Ford on the short tracks.

“2011 will be the ‘Chase Chase’ campaign,” he said.  “Who will rise up to the challenge?”

And how does Elliott feel with the start of the 2011 season looming ahead?

“We learned a lot in 2010 and I still believe there is a lot we can still gain in 2011 in every aspect and we are really looking forward to it,” Elliott said.

What else will 2011 hold for racing in the Peach State?  Justin Poole said he hopes it means continued success for Georgia racers and racetracks.

“Hopefully 2011 will see more success for the Georgia racers, veterans and upcoming stars and see more fans embrace and learn about the rich history of the sport before all of our founding fathers have passed over to the final victory lane.”