Former NASCAR Busch Series driver Elton Sawyer finished ninth in the 200-lap Late Model race won by Denny Hamlin at Southampton Motor Speedway [VA] on Friday night. Sawyer, who hasn’t turned many laps since a runner-up effort at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2001, said the itch to drive remains strong. “I just enjoy being out there and exchanging paint with them [drivers],” said Sawyer, 43, who filled in for track regular Chris Perry. “I was pleased with the way [the race] went, but I’m also realistic to know I can’t do this another 10 years.” With a young talent crop, Sawyer, a two-time Busch winner, is interested in building a driver development program at the local tracks. It would be his way of giving back to the sport. “It’s no different than any other racing program,” said the Chesapeake native, who is listed on SMS’ entry list for the next two races. “There’s no substitute for competition.”(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-17-2003)
