NHRA: Bazemore anxiious to return to racing at Brainerd
12 August 2000
Putnam, Connecticut, August 12, 2000 - Less than four days after the completion of the most demanding part of the NHRA schedule, a four-week, three-race segment known as the "West Coast Swing", Whit Bazemore was already itching to get back behind the wheel of the Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28. In fact, if it was up to Bazemore, the world's best drag racers would have foregone the much-needed and well-deserved "off" weekend after the Sonoma event and headed directly to The Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway for the upcoming The Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals. Although this opinion might not make him very popular with others in the pit area, Bazemore's reasoning belies his competitive nature. "I'm really looking forward to going back to Brainerd for several reasons," explained Bazemore. "Mainly, it's the next race on the schedule. Second, it's a good summer track, smooth and wide, with great fans who pack the stands. It's also a place where we've done well in the past, including being runner-up there last year. Finally, with the potential we have shown in our Kendall/Matco Camaro as of late, I wish we were racing there today." A review of recent events further explains Bazemore's enthusiasm. In the five races since Terry Manzer assumed the responsibilities of crew chief, the Etchells "fuel coupe" has shown signs of regaining the winning form for which it is best known. In the last month, Bazemore has reeled off three consecutive No. 1 qualifying efforts, resetting track records in Seattle and Denver, as well as posting the first four-second Funny Car pass in the history of Bandimere Speedway. Fueled by their first 2000 national event win, the team has clawed their way back into the Top Ten in the Winston points standings, and come to Minnesota looking to continue this improving trend. The Etchells crew's confidence should also be bolstered by their arrival at The Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway, which is located a few hours to the north of Minnesota's Twin Cities. Over the last seven years, BIR has been the site of numerous team successes, with Bazemore and team owner Chuck Etchells combining to score a win, a runner-up finish, a No.1 qualifying position, as well as four semi-final performances. Previous accomplishments aside, however, Bazemore knows the key to success will once again be consistency and repeatability. "The fact that we've been the No. 1 qualifier at the last three races shows how much power Terry (crew chief Manzer) is making," stated Bazemore. "But the key is to find the proper balance and keep it, getting the car down the track on every run. Unfortunately, our consistency isn't where we'd like it to be, which is why we're not winning races. Terry realizes this and is working to fix it. "I'm confident that we now have enough experience with the Kendall/Matco Camaro to have a handle on it in Brainerd. If we can calm it down enough to make it down the track consistently, I think we'll be very competitive. I know the entire Etchells Racing team is very excited and extremely optimistic about our chances." Quick Whits: This will be Whit Bazemore's tenth appearance at The Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway, where he hopes to improve on his runner-up finish from a year ago, and duplicate team owner Chuck Etchells winning performance from 1993….Whit is looking to duplicate his pole winning performance from 1997, and extend his current string of consecutive No. 1 qualifying performances, which currently stands at three ….Whit sits 8th in the Winston Championship points standings. Fast Facts WHAT: 19th annual The Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals, the sixteenth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: August 17-20, 2000 WHERE: The Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions start with two sessions on Friday, August 18 at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., and conclude on Saturday, August 5 with two rounds at 12 noon and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations start at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 20. TV: TNN will air ninety minutes of highlights on Sunday, August 20 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.. - (Times given are Eastern and Pacific. As always, please check your local listings.)