Ernie Elliott’s wife charged with aggravated assault

The wife of famed NASCAR engine builder Ernie Elliott was arrested early Tuesday morning. Sheila G. Elliott, 63, was charged with felony aggravated assault in connection with an incident that occurred on March 18 at the family's racing compound on Elliott Family Parkway. According to the arrest warrant, the suspect over revved the engine of her 2004 Mercedes Benz sedan and attempted to run her husband over with the vehicle, forcing him to climb "underneath a trailer for safety."

He was not injured during the incident, which was reported to local authorities on March 24, the same day a warrant was secured for Sheila Elliott's arrest. Officers attempted to make an arrest that day, but were not able to do so due to a health concern. "Cpl. Ethan Taffar investigated and was about to take her into custody for aggravated assault under family violence when a medical condition arose, which had to be dealt with at that particular moment," said Capt. Tony Wooten, sheriff's spokesman.

The nature of the argument that led to the alleged assault on March 18 was not publically revealed. Revered as one of NASCAR's top engine builders, Ernie Elliott helped power brother Bill Elliott to numerous victories over the family's 20-year collaboration, including his 1988 championship. He also built the engine that holds NASCAR's Sprint Cup qualifying record. His engines have 39 wins, 148 top five's, 291 top 10's and 51 poles. As of Tuesday afternoon, she remained in police custody without bond. A hearing before a judge is set for today. Dawson News