Etchells Returns to the Funny Car Wars

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Contact: Jon G. Knapp Phone: (704) 662-3121 Fax: (704) 662-3021

CHUCK ETCHELLS RETURNS TO NHRA'S FUNNY CAR WARS IN POMONA

Putnam, Conn., January 29, 2001 - The last time Chuck Etchells piloted his Kendall Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car in competition was at Pomona Raceway in November of 1998. At the time, the veteran driver put the finishing touches on another solid season with a thrilling victory, his third of the year, and the exclamation point on his seventh consecutive Top Five points finish. A few months later, Etchells made the difficult decision to step out of his racecar and bring in a hired driver, preferring to concentrate on the business aspect of his race team and thus solidify its future. However, he made sure to point out that he was not retiring, and never ruled out the possibility of a comeback.

As the Winston Drag Racing Series returns to California for this weekend's 41st annual AutoZone Winternationals, that possibility will become reality, as Chuck Etchells makes his return to full-time active competition. However, the Putnam, CT native is quick to point out that the circumstances are quite different at the NHRA's season-opener than they were on that chilly fall day two years ago.

"Obviously a lot has changed since my win in the Finals," stated Etchells. "We have a new crew chief in Terry Manzer, and for all intents and purposes, an entirely new team with the exception of Chris Forton and Mike Brooks. Besides, we have a lot more competition in the Funny Car category. Pomona is going to be a challenge, especially since our testing did not go the way we'd have liked. To be honest, I'm a little concerned."

Compounding Etchells' apprehension is the realization that this first race can set the tone for the entire season. A strong run can be the first step to a successful campaign, while a lackluster performance puts the team in the unfavorable position of having to come from behind.

"Even though this is the first race of twenty-four, it is very important to do well," explained Etchells. "As we see repeatedly at the end of the year, a single round can move you up or down a couple of positions in the points. That will be even truer this year with the number of Funny Cars there are. You really cannot afford a bad race, although every racer has one in the course of the season, even Force. You'd like to put it off as long as possible, or avoid it completely. Getting off to a good start is an important step in that direction."

Another factor weighing heavily on the Kendall/Matco crew's mind is the Pomona Raceway surface, which gave competitors fits here two months ago.

"When we were here for the World Finals in November, this was strictly a one-lane racetrack," recounted Etchells. "No one was getting down the right lane. I know PRO (the team owners' association) has had discussions with the NHRA regarding that, and I hope something has been done to equalize the lanes. This is an important race in a big year for our sport, and as a competitor, we want to put on a good show. We have to hope they've worked on it and improved track conditions. If not, it could be ugly."

One positive aspect the Etchells crew knows they can rely on is their driver who, despite the layoff, has no doubts in his ability to display the winning form for which he is known. To ensure that, like his racecar, he would be in peak condition Etchells undertook a serious physical regimen in the off-season.

"When I drove the car in testing, it was as if I had never gotten out of it," said Etchells. "If anything, it was more comfortable due to the weight I've lost. As far as my driving is concerned, I feel I am not going to miss a beat. It's going to be business as usual for the Kendall/Matco Camaro."

Etchells Excerpts: This will be Chuck Etchells' 20th appearance at the Pomona Raceway, and 9th at the Winternationals … Chuck's previous best qualifying performance at this season-opening event came in 1993, when he was 3rd, and he will be looking to improve upon his runner-up Winternationals finish from 1995… Overall, Chuck has (2) two wins at this facility as well as two (2) No. 1 qualifying performances.

Fast Facts

WHAT: 41st Annual AutoZone Winternationals, the first event on the 23-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN: February 1- 4, 2001

WHERE: Pomona Raceway, Pomona, California

SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with single sessions on Thursday, February 1 and Friday, February 2 at 3:00 p.m., and concludes with two additional attempts at 1:00 & 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 4.

TV: There will be three shows originating from Pomona, starting with 2 hours of qualifying highlights on ESPN2 from 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3. On Sunday, February 4, coverage of eliminations will start on ESPN with a one-hour broadcast of early elimination rounds highlights from 8-9 p.m. and will conclude on ESPN2 with one hour of highlights from the semi-final and final rounds from 11:00 p.m. - midnight. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your local listings.)

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