Life Begins at 48 for ASA Southern Super Series Driver Tony Elrod

In a day where racing youth is overtaking the weekend warrior, we can find one driver’s story with the ASA Southern Super Series that is different. Tony Elrod had a very rewarding 2023 campaign as the 47-year-old rookie finished his first full season of racing and posted a ninth-place points finish.

“I can't look back at anything that happened in our first year and say I wish I had done that differently,” said Elrod, who is now 48. “We learned so much in every single situation. I can’t say I’d change any of it.”

Elrod earned the ASA Southern Super Series Hard Charger Award for the 2023 season. It was not only his first season with ASA but in any series. Elrod had not even been racing for close to 20 years. He improved a total of 52 positions across all his races and only lost positions, from where he started, in one event.

“We were not aware that we were able to improve the most positions,” said Elrod. “It’s humbling to look back and see progress. I don't feel like we were able to show exactly our full potential. We had a couple of hiccups along the way. I'm just looking forward to this year and carrying the momentum that we finished up last year with.”

Now that he’s had a year under his belt, the goals for 2024 are different as they will seek better finishes, and battling for top five runs.. The first race on the schedule is one of his favorite tracks, Watermelon Capital Speedway at Crisp Motorsports Park (GA). This will be one of two stops at the track in 2024.

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“My goal is to win,” explained Elrod. “I mean, last year it was to learn, this year it's to win. That's what I'm going for. That’s the whole reason why drivers race, is to be the one at the top at the end of the day.

Elrod is working towards his goal with his family-based team, Elrod Motorsports. In a day where you need a fan base to build on, Elrod has that already taken care of. His wife and two daughters (Kaliya & Kalia) are his biggest fans and they can’t wait to cheer on the 08 car in 2024.

“They are my biggest fans,” added Elrod. “Most people can’t do this in the middle of their life without the support of family.”

The Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest 2024 at Watermelon Capital Speedway at Crisp Motorsports Park will get the 2024 ASA Branded Tours season going Saturday, January 20th with the ASA Southern Super Series Presented by Sunoco and ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS in action. There will additionally be a non-points event.

-Story by: Elgin Traylor/ASA Southern Super Series
-Photo credit: Will Bellamy/Racing America