NHRA: Bazemore and Manzer Face New Challenges as They Work Towards Same Goal
22 June 2000
Putnam, Connecticut, June 22, 2000 - For the first time in eight years, there will be a new person calling the shots as the Etchells Racing crew prepares their Funny Car for competition, as Terry Manzer takes over the reins as crew chief this weekend for the Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Racing team. As with any new association, a learning curve is to be expected for Manzer and the crew at the Sears Craftsman Nationals in Madison, Illinois as they learn to work together. However, the California native has shown himself to be a quick study, as he has tuned two different drivers to victory in the last year. One of the critical relationships in the new regime will be that between Manzer and driver Whit Bazemore. As with any form of motorsport, how these two communicate will be vital to the team's long-term success. For his part, Bazemore is ready. "Obviously, it's a big change for everyone at Etchells Racing to start working with Terry in the middle of the season," said Bazemore. "But, personally, I like challenges and am looking forward to this one. The bottom line remains that we have to field a team that is consistent and competitive. Terry Manzer comes in here with a solid reputation and I know this Kendall/Matco Camaro team is fully capable. It's time for us to get back to the business of winning races." In addition to dealing with these internal changes, the Etchells crew will also be tested by the different conditions surrounding the St. Louis race. Already faced with a short week following last weekend's event in Columbus, crews must be ready to compete a day earlier, as qualifying at Gateway International Raceway commences on Thursday. An extra twist is added by the unique scenario where virtually all competition will be held in the late afternoon and early evening hours, requiring completely different set-ups than normally used. "This will be our second year of racing under the lights in Madison, which I think is a great idea," stated Bazemore. "In our initial trips here, the Gateway track did not seem to have lot of grip during the daytime. By running at night the racing surface temperature will be lower, meaning we can apply more power, which in turn will make it more exciting for the fans. Besides, it can get pretty warm here during the summer, so racing later in the day should make it a lot more comfortable for everybody." Finally, Bazemore and the rest of the Etchells Racing team must find a way to handle the stress, not only of the events of the last week, but of a difficult season that has yet to live up to their expectations. As Whit Bazemore will attest, the past few months have only served as extra motivation for an organization that is determined to regain its familiar upper-echelon standing. "Racing is a tough business," explained Bazemore. "This is my thirteenth year racing a Funny Car, and I've seen a lot of the highs and lows of this sport. Winning isn't easy, and right now, we're struggling, but the last week should show that this team will do whatever it takes to get the job done. We are working harder than ever to make things right. Naturally, we're frustrated, but this Kendall/Matco Camaro team is absolutely driven to succeed and we will." Quick Whits: This will be Whit Bazemore's fourth appearance at National Trail Raceway, where he hopes to improve upon his semi-final finish from 1998 …. Bazemore's best qualifying performance in Madison to date is 7th, which he accomplished last year…. One year ago, Whit advanced to the quarterfinals at this event….Bazemore is also looking to move up from his current 10th place position in the Winston Drag Racing Series season's points standings. Fast Facts WHAT 4th annual Sears Craftsman Nationals, the twelfth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: June 22-24, 2000 WHERE: Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Illinois SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions start with two sessions on Thursday, June 22 at 5:00 and 9:00 p.m., and conclude on Friday, June 23 with two rounds at 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. TV: ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying highlights on Saturday, June 24 from 8 -10 p.m., followed by two hours of final eliminations coverage on Sunday, June 25 from 10 p.m. - midnight (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your local listings.)