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NHRA: Team Exide electric in Brainerd with first career pole; Third win of the year

24 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Brainerd, MN- Disappointed with their performance on the western swing of the National Hot Rod Association schedule, the Exide Batteries Drag Racing Team returned to championship form with a dominating win here at the 19th annual Colonel's Truck Accessories NHRA Nationals.

In qualifying, Tony Schumacher captured his very first top qualifying spot with a 4.587 Elapsed Time pass. Schumacher, and the rest of the Exide Batteries Racing Team then proceeded take full advantage of early losses by both points leaders Gary Scelzi and second place Larry Dixon.

"With Gary Scelzi and Team Winston losing in the first round, we have a chance to get some of the points back we left on the west coast," said Schumacher after his first round victory over Chris "The Greek" Karamesines.

Schumacher then defeated Kenny Bernstein and the "Bud King" in the second round, and Andrew Cowin and the K&N Filters backed entry in the third.

In the final round, Schumacher faced off with Doug Kalitta, who defeated Schumacher earlier in the year. As both cars left the line, Schumacher's front wheels were off the ground for the first part of the run. The wheels finally settled, and Schumacher reached the finish line first with the car's best run of the weekend, a 4.585 E.T. blast, at 318.69 MPH to take the victory.

"This was a big win for Dan Olson (Crew Chief) and the guys on the team," said an elated Schumacher. "They work so hard, and to be able to put together a weekend like we had, shows all of the long hours are paying off," he added.

Next race will be the 46th annual U.S. Nationals, held in Indianapolis, IN August 30 - September 4. At this race one year ago, Team Exide took over the points lead and never looked back en route to their Winston Championship. They are now just 24 points behind Scelzi and Team Winston in second place.

Text provided by DAVE ENGELMAN

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.