The city of Dawsonville got a chance to meet its own up-and-coming celebrity athlete.
NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and Dawsonville native Chase Elliott came to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Wednesday afternoon to greet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos.
GRHOF President Gordon Pirkle estimated between 300 and 350 people attended the event.
Im very pleased with the turnout, Mayor James Grogan said. Weve had a really good week for Georgia Cities week. Were just tickled to death to have him here. Hes Dawsonvilles own and he won two races in a row. When you win Darlington, that is special.
Last Friday, Elliott took the green flag at the Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. He also leads in points in the Nationwide Series. But its not something Elliott dwells on.
Gotta take it a week at a time, Elliott said. Leading the points right now is like having the best batting average on opening day. Its kind of meaningless at this point. Weve just got to keep doing our best, and hopefully it will carry throughout the year.
Elliott said he appreciated the support hes received from local fans. Its good to have this here at the Racing Hall of Fame and have the support here at home, he said. Its been great to come home to.
Fans were excited to come out and meet Chase. Gator Morris brought two Jeff Gordon jackets for Elliott to sign. His dad has taught him all he knows, and hes a very smart and intelligent young man, Morris said. I think hes gonna do real well. The Sprint Cup is looking forward to him. I know I am.
Elliotts success also has been good for the Racing Hall of Fame. It was very, very good for the Hall of Fame and the city of Dawsonville, Pirkle said. Business has tripled here over the last two weeks.
Friday, Elliott is headed to the Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., for the ToyotaCare 250. The race starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN 2. Fans also can watch the race at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Pirkle said the hall of fame will begin gearing up for the race at 6 p.m.