NASCAR BGN: Sadler Returns 'Home' to Busch Series at Michigan

20 August 1999

BROOKLYN, MI- There's an old saying that claims, "you can never go home again." Just don't ask driver Elliott Sadler to believe that.

This weekend's NAPA 200 at Michigan Speedway will mark Sadler's return to competition in the NASCAR Busch Series, where he spent three seasons before moving to the Winston Cup level this year.

The 25-year old native of Emporia, VA will pilot the No. 35 SCANA/Powertel Chevrolet for Team Amick Motorsports in Saturday's event. Sadler will drive the Team Amick entry at all the remaining races on the Busch schedule this season, in addition to his role as the driver of the No. 21 CITGO Ford in the Winston Cup Series.

"I'm really looking forward to my first weekend in the No. 35," says Sadler. "It gives me the opportunity to help out a good team, and lets me get more seat time. I think the experience I gain on Saturday will benefit the Wood Brothers Racing Team on Sunday, which is one of the main reasons I decided to take this opportunity."

Saturday's race is actually the second time that Sadler will be back in a Busch Series car this season. Earlier this year, he filled in for Andy Santerre in the No. 47 Monro Muffler & Brakes entry after Santerre was injured in a crash at Daytona. As the replacement driver of that machine, Sadler scored two top-10 finishes in 10 races. His best result came at California in May, where he finished fifth.

Sadler's debut in the SCANA/Powertel Chevy comes a few weeks later in the season than planned. First, a scheduling conflict prevented Sadler from attending a test session with Team Amick at Myrtle Beach Speedway, where he was to drive the No. 35 for the first time in the July 17th Myrtle Beach 250. Driver/part owner Lyndon Amick tested the car instead, and drove it in the Myrtle Beach event.

Team Amick hoped that Sadler would be able to take over the ride for the Carquest Auto Parts 250 at Gateway International Raceway on July 31st. Those plans were put on hold when Sadler injured his foot in a crash during Winston Cup Qualifying at the Pocono Raceway on July 24th.

Concerned that he might do further damage to the foot if he attempted to drive at Gateway, Sadler and his doctors decided he should take time off to heal. Again, driver Lyndon Amick was called on to climb back in the car.

With his foot completely healed, Sadler believes he can take the Team Amick entry to the front of the field at Michigan this weekend. Plus, he'll get the opportunity to see some old friends again.

"I've been watching the team all season, and I know they're capable of running up front," says Sadler. "Lyndon has proved that with some great qualifying efforts, and some great runs. It's going to be great just to compete against all the Busch guys again. I guess you could say it'll be like 'old home' week."

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery