Southern Elevator & Ellis Unveil Darlington Throwback

Ryan Ellis' No. 71 Southern Elevator Co./2001 Legends Throwback Chevrolet for Darlington Raceway. (DGM Racing photo)

LAKE WALES, Fla. – DGM Racing and Ryan Ellis announced Wednesday that Southern Elevator Co. will return to the team as a primary sponsor in select NASCAR Xfinity Series races.

Ellis’ No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro will carry Southern Elevator’s colors at three events this season, including a tribute paint scheme to honor Ellis’ racing career at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway’s throwback weekend, April 4-6.

As Darlington Raceway holds its 11th annual throwback celebration – honoring the past, present, and future of NASCAR – Ellis unveiled a paint scheme reminiscent of his childhood racing days.

Ellis will not only pilot a paint scheme from his 2001 Legend car campaign, but will bear the same number that holds a special place in his heart.

Growing up, Ellis could be seen sporting the No. 71 on anything from hockey jerseys to race cars. As a family-owned team, honoring Ellis’ racing roots with the No. 71 and his childhood colors was a no-brainer.

Racing in NASCAR was once just a dream for Ellis, but with hard work and dedication, he’s made it his reality. With the help of three-year partner Southern Elevator, Ellis will have the chance to relive the childhood memories of when his love for motorsports began.

“I’m so thankful that Southern Elevator allowed us to run this scheme for throwback weekend. This car brings back all my first racing memories, when NASCAR was just an extremely far-fetched childhood dream,” said Ellis. “Our quarter midgets were the first to feature this concept, along with nearly every helmet I wore throughout my childhood. This Darlington scheme represents my first INEX Legend car, which I ran when I was just 11 or 12 years old. We won a ton of races with this look.

A side-by-side of Ryan Ellis' throwback colors with the original Legend car paint scheme from the 2001 season. (Photos Courtesy of DGM Racing)

“I hope racing this scheme doesn’t just bring back memories for myself, but also for my family and friends who have been involved in my racing journey,” Ellis added. “I always felt like, ‘I’m the guy who was just lucky enough to make it,’ and that’s because of the amazing people and partners who supported me along the way. I hope they recognize their contributions and look at it with pride, as I do.

“Thank you so much to Southern Elevator for making this dream come true. I'm really looking forward to an exciting race weekend with their group at Darlington.”

Southern Elevator will also serve as the primary partner for Ellis and the No. 71 DGM Racing Chevrolet at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway on April 19 and Martinsville (Va.) Raceway on Oct. 25.

With more than 75 years of experience, Southern Elevator offers elevator maintenance, repair, and modernization for businesses across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The brand is the Southeast region’s leading independent elevator service provider.

“Ryan Ellis and his team align with the values and work ethic of Southern Elevator. The little things matter to this team, and it is important to execute their plans for success,” said Southern Elevator COO Steve Phillips. “That same drive is how Southern Elevator executes its performance for its customers with service and delivery. It is why we matter to our customers.”

Broadcast coverage of the Sport Clips Haircuts/VFW-Help a Hero 200 at Darlington is scheduled for Saturday, April 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET, live on The CW, the Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.