NHRA: Bazemore seeks to stay on winning track in Seattle
23 July 2000
Putnam, Connecticut, July 23, 2000 - Although drag racing is a sport where the racing is conducted in straight lines, at the last NHRA national event in Denver, Whit Bazemore and the Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Racing Team made headlines by performing one of the biggest u-turns of the year. After struggling to produce results in the first half of the Winston Drag Racing season, the Etchells Racing crew qualified in the top spot on their last attempt in Colorado, and then swept through eliminations, punctuating their win by recording the first four-second run in the history of Bandimere Speedway. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is that it marked only the third race for the team under new crew chief Terry Manzer. However, the team will have little time to celebrate, as the NHRA tour now heads to Seattle International Raceway for next weekend's Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals. The performance characteristics of this facility are completely different from a week ago, featuring near sea level altitude, cooler temperatures and another unique racing surface. With a history of previous successes (Manzer tuned Ron Capps to the Top Fuel title in 1995, Bazemore won the event in 1997, and was the runner-up here in the Kendall/Matco Camaro a year ago), the Etchells crew looks to continue their winning ways. "The Kendall/Matco team had a great weekend in Denver," stated Bazemore. "Our Camaro was the dominant car at what might be the hardest race of the season. But with that set-up being so different from how we'll run the car this weekend in Seattle, the real challenge will again be finding the right combination and maintaining our momentum. Fortunately, we've done well there in the past, so we know what it takes to win." A closer inspection reveals some of the details of the team's recent and rapid transformation. When Terry Manzer joined the Etchells organization at the Madison event one month ago, both he and the crew were faced with a learning process. For example, despite the outward similarities, every Funny Car is set up differently, according to the crew chief's preferences. Therefore, after evaluating the situation and his inventory Manzer decided to rework the Kendall/Matco Camaro to a combination he was more familiar with. In addition, the new regime saw changes in team member's assignments, which took time to assimilate. Finally, crucial paths of communication had to be established, allowing these talented individuals to work as a unit. As all involved will attest, the results speak for themselves. "It may be a cliché, but racing is a team effort," explained Bazemore. "It's not just about the driver or the crew chief - it's the whole package. I know that the guys on the crew are very happy working for Terry Manzer. They're getting used to his style of doing things, which gives them greater responsibilities, and we're looking forward the rest of the season with him." But as every member is quick to point out, last week's performance is now a cherished memory, and the turnaround cannot be considered complete unless similar results are produced on a regular basis. One important benefit that will carry over, however, is the confidence that has re-energized the Etchells camp, and has them eager to compete in the Northwest. "That win gave our team has a renewed sense of confidence," said Bazemore. "We know we can work well together and we have a car that can win races. But at the same time, we realize that we're only in eighth place. We have a lot of work to do before this season is over. Seattle International Raceway is not an easy track, and our competition will be as tough as ever. It's up to us to go to Seattle and get the job done, just like we did in Denver." Quick Whits: This will be Whit Bazemore's tenth appearance at Seattle International Raceway, where he hopes to duplicate his winning performance from 1997…. At last year's Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals, Whit qualified 2nd, his best qualifying effort to date in Seattle, and on Sunday advanced to the final round….Whit currently sits 8th in the Winston Championship points standings. Fast Facts WHAT: 13th annual Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals, the fourteenth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: July 27-30, 2000 WHERE: Seattle International Raceway, Kent, Washington SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions start with two sessions on Friday, July 28 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m., and conclude on Saturday, July 29 with two rounds at 12 noon and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations start at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 30. TV: ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying highlights on Saturday, July 29 from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.. On Sunday, July 30, ESPN2 will have two hours of final eliminations coverage from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your local listings.)