MARNE -- Anyone looking for the hottest up-and-coming driver in stock-car racing might consider using an ultrasound to find him.

Actually, Chase Elliott is 14. He just finished eighth grade at King's Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta, Ga., so he isn't quite that young. Yet, considering what he already has accomplished and taking into account he's two years from earning his driver's license, it makes him the one to watch.

Elliott, son of legendary NASCAR driver Bill Elliott, of Dawsonville, Ga., is turning laps and heads on short tracks across the nation.

West Michigan fans will get their first look at the rising star when Elliott comes to Berlin Raceway for the June 15 Rowdy's Revenge 251 Late Model race featuring Kyle Busch, who is second in NASCAR Sprint Cup points.

Being Bill Elliott's son certainly has opened doors for Chase, but he is making the most of those opportunities.

He has made 14 Late Model starts in a combined seven touring series this season. His average finish is 3.86, including four wins in his No. 9 Aaron's Rent Ford Fusion.

He won a May 29 Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., making him the youngest driver to win a Late Model race at that track, which opened in 1956. In addition, Elliott won a race at Rockingham, N.C.

"I'm just happy to be where we are at and to be able to go run each weekend and to be getting the experience that I am getting right now," said Elliott, who started racing go-karts six years ago. "That's the most important thing. There is nothing that can simulate going to the race track. That's all you want. All in all, there is nothing close to actually racing.

THE RACE What: Rowdy's Revenge 251, with Kyle Busch



When/where: 7 p.m. June 15 at Berlin Raceway, Marne



Tickets: $20 adults, $18 seniors 60 and older, $5 ages 6 to 12

"I think we are in the right place here and are making the right decisions. And hopefully, moving our way up the right way."

Bill Elliott, 54, is competing in Sprint Cup on a part-time basis this season, and he has made four starts driving the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion. He has racked up 44 career victories, along with the 1988 series championship, and was voted NASCAR's most popular driver 16 times.

The elder Elliott serves as his son's spotter when he isn't racing. He is scheduled to sign autographs at Berlin.

"He is a good driver," Bill Elliott said of his son. "His strengths are he takes care of his equipment and he usually runs competitively. He tries not to stick his nose where it shouldn't be. I think that's his strong point.

"Being around me, I feel it has helped him out a lot. He has been around me enough to understand the sport, and he knows what he has to do and what he has to put up with."

Elliott was 6 when his photo was taken with his father in Victory Lane at the 2002 Brickyard 400.

It was one of the biggest wins of Bill Elliott's career, and it just might have been the spark that stoked his son's passion for racing.

"The biggest thing I remember him winning is the Brickyard," Elliott said. "Being there and being a part of that was very neat. I will never forget that day."

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The purse for the Rowdy's Revenge 251 could reach $25,000, but it will be based on car count.

Elliott isn't the only next-generation star headed to Berlin.

Ross Kenseth, son of 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth, and Ryan Blaney, whose father is veteran driver Dave Blaney, also have committed to the race.

In addition, NASCAR Sprint Cup's A.J. Allmendinger is scheduled to race in the 50-lap Modified main.