Bill Elliott will drive the #21 Wood Brothers FORD in the Coca-Cola 600. LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN! Somebody call Jim Nabors so he can sing "Back home again" (forget the Indiana part). Bill Elliott is back in a Ford, where he belongs. It's been too long. Forget the foray into the Evernham Dodge camp and the unthinkable short tenure in the Chevys and don't even talk about testing for Toyota. Bill Elliott is BACK.
Forget for a minute why he is back in a Ford. NASCAR's stupid top 35 rule is forcing The Wood Brothers to find a driver with a guaranteed starting spot and Bill is the guy. Jon Wood was slated to be in the car for the 600; taking over for Ken Schrader as part of their "share a ride" program. But, because they aren't in the top 35 in owner points, the Wood Brothers had to do something to be assured they will be in the 600, and this was the best solution.
I'm changing my pick in the onpitrow.com chain game to the #21 Wood Brothers-Motorcraft/Air Force Ford driven by Bill Elliott. Awesome Bill from Dawsonville--Million Dollar Bill. aaahhhh---LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN!
photos: Bill Elliott---the auto channel.com Wood Bros #21-- Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images
Geez Steve. Need a cigarette?
Posted by: charlie | May 17, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Life is good again?
It is for Bill and the Wood Bros I suppose.
But for us Pundits life is a bowl of lemons, with no sugar to make lemonade, with this announcement.
Posted by: marc | May 17, 2007 at 10:59 PM
Mom, apple pie, Bill Elliott in a blue oval, some things just make you smile!
Side vroom...FranceCar needs to can the top 35 rule!
Posted by: Vroom! | May 18, 2007 at 04:51 AM
The ONLY good thing to come out of the top 35 rule is seeing Bill back in a Ford. Other than that, it is the stupidest rule EVER! Talk about perpetuating an eventuality. Teams outside the top 35 have to set their cars up to qualify--so they have less time to prepare for race setup (if they make the race). Therefore; it is almost a lock that they will suck during the race, and hence they stay out of the top 35. Cars in the top 35 don't have to qualify well and get through inspection earlier so they NEVER miss practice time. Talk about the ultimate "catch 22". This stupid rule has to go. The sooner, the better--just so long as it doesn't stop Bill from racing a Ford.
Posted by: Steve | May 18, 2007 at 08:31 AM