NHRA: Etchells Racing, Bazemore look for Successful Finale
8 November 2000
Putnam, Conn., November 12, 2000 - For Funny Car standout Whit Bazemore, the upcoming Automobile Club of Southern California Finals mark more than an end to the 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season. This race will be Bazemore's last in the Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 following two years in the driver's seat. As such, it represents one final opportunity to reach the winner's circle with the Etchells Racing team and put a fitting finish on what has been a most successful relationship. "This year, the Finals in Pomona will be more special than ever, because it will be my last race with the Chuck Etchells Racing team," said Bazemore. "It's a different feeling than I had in '98 when it was with my own team because back then my future was so uncertain. This time I know where I'm headed so I can enjoy this weekend more and really focus on giving this Kendall/Matco team my best possible effort. But the one thing that remains the same is the burning desire to end the day with our Camaro in the winner's circle." Although Bazemore and the Etchells Racing crew are looking to forge some winning memories in Pomona, overall they would prefer to simply put this year behind them. Heading into the season, they had been picked by many to be a serious contender for the championship. However, in uncharacteristic fashion, they stumbled at the start, finding elimination round wins hard to come by. With the season nearing its midpoint, team owner Chuck Etchells made the difficult decision to replace long-time crew chiefs Tim and Kim Richards with Terry Manzer. Assuming the reins under uncertain conditions, Manzer rose to the challenge and rallied the crew. In only Manzer's third race with the team, Bazemore scored a win in dramatic fashion, coming from outside the field to claim the top spot in qualifying on his last attempt, and punctuating his run through eliminations with the first four-second Funny Car pass in the history of Bandimere Speedway. This return to form continued throughout the second half, with additional final round appearances in Indianapolis and Memphis and three consecutive No. 1 qualifying performances during the West Coast swing. The Etchells fuel coupe's resurgence is even more remarkable in light of continued late-season distractions such as Bazemore's announced departure and the defection of two key crewmembers. "This Etchells Racing team has been through a lot this year," explained Bazemore. "It's really a credit to Terry and Chris Forton (head crewmember) and the job they've done keeping it all together under some very difficult circumstances. Last week in Houston, this crew did an outstanding job between rounds, working really fast and without making a mistake despite being relatively new to each other. "I think it's important for us to go to Pomona and win. To do that, we'll have to be consistent. The performance is there - it's just a matter of getting it right. But we'll also need the racing gods to smile down on us. With a lot of skill and a little luck, you're in the winner's circle." But Bazemore has other reasons for wanting to do well. For example, throughout his career, Pomona Raceway has been one of his biggest obstacles, as he has never advanced beyond the quarter-finals. In addition, team owner Etchells has presented his departing driver with a challenge of his own. "I don't know why, but I've always struggled in Pomona," stated Bazemore. "It's a legendary racetrack, and we go there twice a year, so there are more opportunities than at other facilities, but so far success has eluded me there. Maybe going there with Terry things will be different. "Besides, Chuck has made a point of reminding me that he won Pomona in his last race in the Kendall/Matco Camaro, and how important it is to maintain that tradition. We've had fun these last two years, and I'm really grateful to him for allowing me to drive for him. It gave me a whole new perspective to not be the team owner, and I learned a lot. Honestly, I'd like nothing more than to go out by handing Chuck the trophy in the Pomona winner's circle.". Quick Whits: This will be Whit Bazemore's 17th appearance at the Pomona Raceway, where he looks to improve on his five quarter-final finishes … Whit's previous best qualifying performance in Pomona was 2nd, which he accomplished at this event in 1997… One year ago, Whit qualified 6th at this event… Bazemore is currently 6th in the Winston Drag Racing Series season's points standings. Fast Facts WHAT: 36th Annual Automobile Club of Southern California Finals, the final event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: November 9 -12, 2000 WHERE: Pomona Raceway, Pomona, California SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with single sessions on Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10 at 3:00 p.m., and concludes with two additional attempts at 12:15 & 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 12. TV: ESPN2 will air three shows on Sunday, November 12, starting with one hour of qualifying coverage from 1:30 - 2:30 a.m. In addition, they will air one hour of first-round coverage from 6 - 7:00 p.m., followed by two hours of highlights from the semi-final and final rounds from 10:00 p.m. - midnight. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your local listings.)