Figure 8 Rookie Class Grows With Addition of Elliott McKinney

By Kyle Larson
Public Relations

After producing an impressive first season with the Insight ThunderCar Figure 8 division at Anderson Speedway in 2004, Middletown’s Elliott McKinney recently announced that he will compete full-time with the Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8’s in 2005.

“I’m excited about this year and racing the entire season in the Figure 8 division, “said Elliott McKinney. “Our 2005 goals are to challenge for Rookie of the Year title, place among the top 10 in points and start every Figure 8 feature.”

In 2005, McKinney will be challenging for the DT’S R Bar Rookie of the Year title with many of the competitors he battled in Insight ThunderCar Figure 8 action last season.

“Racing with Ranny Hinton, Jim Brown and the other rookies this year will be a great experience for me. I enjoyed racing against them last year and look forward to a close Rookie points chase in 2005.”

McKinney has been racing for a short amount of time at Anderson Speedway, but has already built an impressive driving resume. He began his career in the Chappy’s Rent to Own Front Wheel Drives, gaining valuable experience during the 2003 season.

Last year, McKinney advanced to Insight ThunderCars and made most of his starts in the Figure 8 division. He placed fourth in the final owner point standings and also earned Rookie of the Year honors.

He scored three feature victories, posted 14 top-five finishes and 14 top 10s. McKinney’s feature wins took place on June 4, July 2 and September 17.

Elliott McKinney is the son of Joe McKinney, who is a three-time Figure 8 Champion and collected two checkered flags in the prestigious National Crown.

In 2005, Elliott McKinney will continue to run the No. 19 in the Figure 8 division and will carry sponsorship from J & J Auto Parts, Hacker Barrel, Dave Hacker Racing, Jones Auto Parts, Weatherford Auto & Truck, J & B Auto Sales, Progressive Masonry, Muterspaugh Automotive and Optical Communications.

The Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8’s will kick off their 2005 season on Saturday, April 2, opening night for the regular Saturday Night divisions.