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NHRA: After coming close in 1999, Bazemore has extra incentive in Atlanta

4 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Putnam, Connecticut - Each year, when the Winston Drag Racing Series schedule is posted, drivers will make a point of circling certain events. Although naturally the primary goal is to win at each and every stop on the NHRA circuit, there are particular races that are of personal significance to the men who compete in these 300-mph land rockets. Whether it is because of a history of previous success, or a close proximity to one's home, a victory in one these particular contests would automatically become a cherished career highlight.

For Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car pilot Whit Bazemore, this weekend's Advance Auto Parts NHRA Southern Nationals represents just such an event. After all, Atlanta Dragway is where a young Bazemore first experienced the power and excitement of Nitro Funny Car racing. The memory of watching Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen in his bright yellow Corvette years ago is as clear in Bazemore's mind as it was on the day it happened. From that moment on, Bazemore knew that more than anything else he wanted to race a Funny Car.

"The Atlanta event is probably one of the two most important races of the year for me," detailed Bazemore. "I grew up in this area, and still have many friends who live here. Besides, Atlanta Dragway is where I would go as a kid and dream about racing Funny Cars. So to actually be there as the driver of the Kendall/Matco Camaro is like a dream come true."

One year ago, Bazemore came as close as one could to claiming the victory without actually ending up in the winner's circle. In a classic match-up, Bazemore faced archrival John Force in the final, and the fans were treated to one of the closest races of the year as the two cars blasted down the quarter-mile as if welded together. In the end, Force's slightly quicker elapsed time was able to overcome Bazemore's superior starting line reaction time by the imperceptible margin of one thousandth of a second.

"Losing to John (Force) here last year by a thousandth was probably the hardest loss of my career" declared Bazemore. "So this year, we'd like to set that record straight. Racing here is one thing - but the most important part is to win."

However this year a strong performance at Atlanta Dragway takes on added importance for Bazemore and the Etchells Racing crew. So far in the 2000 season, the on-track results have not been up to this team's usual standards. Although there have been glimpses into their winning potential, the search for the consistency necessary to challenge at every event continues, as evidenced last week in Richmond. In the rain-abbreviated time trials, Bazemore's fuel coupe clicked off three of the quickest passes, and expectations were high for a successful Sunday. Unexplainably, an immediate loss of traction in the opening round sealed Bazemore's fate. Personal feelings aside, this weekend offers another opportunity to return to the winning form for which they are so well known.

"It's no secret that we're struggling," stated Bazemore. "But I know this Etchells Racing team is among the top three in our sport. Frankly, it's baffling to be in the position we're in. Everyone here knows the importance of going to Atlanta and getting a good result. It's crucial that we do it to fix ourselves and our season. The Kendall/Matco Camaro Z28 has run well and crew is working harder than ever, so we are going to get things turned around. Obviously, I'd like nothing more than to do it this weekend at a track that means so much to me. "

BAZEMORE BANTER: This will be Whit Bazemore's eleventh appearance at Atlanta Dragway, where he hopes to improve upon his runner-up finish team from last year--Bazemore's best Atlanta qualifying effort came in 1992, when he placed 3rd-- Bazemore and the Etchells Racing crew aim to turn their season around and move up from their current 11th place position in the Winston Drag Racing Series season's points standings.

Fast Facts

WHAT 6th annual Advance Auto Parts NHRA Southern Nationals, the seventh event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN: May 4-7, 2000

WHERE: Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Georgia

SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions start with two sessions on Friday, May 5 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m., and conclude on Saturday, May 6 with two rounds at 12 noon and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 7.

TV: TNN will air ninety minutes final eliminations coverage from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. (Times given are both Eastern and Pacific. As always, please check your local listings.)

Text provided by Jon G. Knapp

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