Bill Elliott considering part-time return in 2009
By Mike Hembree - Associate Editor
Friday, November 07, 2008
Bill Elliott is strongly considering returning to action for Wood Brothers Racing in 2009.
Chris McGrath
Getty Images for NASCAR
AVONDALE, Ariz. - Bill Elliott isn't ready to hang up the racing shoes.
Elliott said Friday he is open to returning to the Wood Brothers team next season in a part-time role.
Team co-owners Eddie and Len Wood remain in discussions with potential sponsors and also in talks about possibly merging with other
teams. Their 2009 plans remain up in the air.
Elliott, 53, has driven in 18 races this year with a top finish of 16th.
"I like the group," Elliott said of the Woods' team. "I like all the guys they've put together here. It seems like we've finally got some
things working. I'll probably do a little bit [next year], but not a lot. I enjoy the driving part. I just don't like the politics.
"Ford's been good to me throughout the years. I still see a lot of fans that support me. I still have friends around the country I'm able to go see through this deal."
Elliott, who last won a race in 2003, said he obviously wants to perform better but understands the team's struggles.
"It is frustrating," he said, "But you have to do with what you have, so to speak. We're not fortunate enough to have the luxury of going to anybody else for help. That's what makes it so difficult. We haven't had anything to build off of. You get so far behind it's hard to catch up."
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6 responses to "Bill Elliott considering part-time return in 2009". Post a Comment.
Marion Gainey 111 said:
Nov 7, 2008 at 8:31 PMGO..BILL...WOOOOO!!!!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportKenneth Farley said:
Nov 8, 2008 at 7:04 PMBill, I say as long as you can get a ride, go for it. The younger drivers can wait in Nationwide or the trucks awhile longer. Besides, you have some advertising draw, and that is critical with the economy the way it is. Rusty Wallace thought he could make a graceful withdrawl from racing, and he has regretted it ever since. Go, Mr. Awesome, go!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCallaway said:
Nov 8, 2008 at 7:55 PMHe and Labonte and the others that just can't seem to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Dale Jarrett did it the right way I'm done after this race and then follow through, either you race full time or you go to another series or just stop driving. I can't imagine the frustration of some of these truly talented youngsters come up having to sit race after race while the dinosaurs decide what they really really want to do with their time. Sponsors are getting harder to find and to send a car home because someone uses a Champ provisional runs cash out of the sport at a time it's desperately needed. Time to hang up the spurs Bill and let someone younger have their chance.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner Boehmert said:
Nov 9, 2008 at 10:30 AM#3...Bill is a past champ and was voted many times as the fan favorite...give him some respect...let him decide what he wants to do just as DJ made his choice...i'm sure if Earnhardt Jr were in the same situation the fans would want him to race...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportLisa Brown said:
Nov 9, 2008 at 8:28 PMWhen did being over 50 make someone a dinosaur?? Bill has the talent to race anything he wants to, for as long as he wants. Why else would Jeff Gordon recommend to Ray Evernham that he hire Bill to race for him? I'd love to see him race more often, but certainly undestand why he doesn't want to run a full schedule anymore. I support any decision Bill makes, and for cheer for him no matter what! Go, Awesome Bill! You'll always be my vote for Most Popular Driver!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportKenneth Farley said:
Nov 17, 2008 at 9:34 PMAbsolutely, how old was Herschel McGriff when he retired? What was it, 70? Go for it Bill. Maybe you can work something out with Rusty and Kenny Wallace, and throw Ken Schrader in for good luck. Call it the road to retirement special.
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