NHRA: Bazemore makes history in claiming Denver victory
17 July 2000
Whit Bazemore won the seventh national event of his career in dominating fashion at today's Mopar Parts Nationals in Denver, Colorado. After grabbing the top qualifying position with his fourth and final attempt on Saturday afternoon, Bazemore's Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car was the most consistent car throughout eliminations. Starting in the first round, when he defeated Tim Wilkerson, Bazemore reeled off three consecutive laps in the 5.0-second range to maintain lane choice and gain a berth in the final round against Scotty Cannon.As he had done all day, crew chief Terry Manzer chose the left side for the final. From the moment the lights turned green, Bazemore was not to be denied, as he used another strong reaction time to grab more than three-hundredths of a second advantage at the start. He then sealed the victory in a most impressive fashion by recording the first four-second Funny Car elapsed time in the history of Bandimere Speedway, winning the race and regaining the track record he had lost earlier in the day.
"It's just a tremendous effort by this entire Kendall/Matco Camaro team. When you're winning, it's easy to be good, but when you're struggling, it's very, very hard. But we never lost faith, and (crew chief) Terry Manzer and the crew did a great job today. Both Terry and this Etchells Racing team needed to make a statement and we did. It's been a tough and emotional season, especially in the last few weeks, and I think this will go a long way towards moving us forward.
"It's a great day. Terry's tune-up makes the car react very well. It gives you some confidence when you know the car is there and will give you a .470 light when you're on time. I really love it, and believe it's going to help us win some rounds.
"I feel really good for Kendall Oil, Matco Tools, Chevrolet, Mighty Auto Parts and Turtle Wax, and the people who have supported us through the hard times. This weekend certainly had a tough start because we were struggling, but to end up not only with the win, but with the first four-second pass at Bandimere is just outstanding for Chuck, Shelley, Terry and every member of this team."