Gainesville Holds a Special Place for Chuck Etchells

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

GAINESVILLE HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR CHUCK ETCHELLS

Putnam, Conn., March 13, 2001 - During an on-line chat session last week, Chuck Etchells was asked which tracks on the NHRA's Winston Drag Racing Series were his most and least favorites. Without a moment's delay, Etchells named two - Indianapolis Raceway Park and Gainesville Raceway, site of this weekend's Mac Tools Gatornationals. He quickly noted that each of these legendary speedplants qualified for both the positive and the negative connotation, and for the same reasons. On the up side, each is the site of one of the biggest races of the year, one that every driver aspires to win. Conversely, the frustration at having yet to reach winner's circle at either event earns Etchells' displeasure. Naturally, Etchells and his Kendall Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Racing Team will look to rectify the situation this weekend.

"I remember coming to Gainesville many years ago as one of the snowbirds," detailed Etchells. "The Gatornationals are the traditional season-opener on the East Coast, and it's where I got hooked on the sport. I'd love to win there, and I hate that I haven't been able to yet.

"But I'm excited heading into Florida. I have a gut feeling that the Kendall/Matco Camaro is going to run well, and if it does, we'll have as good a shot as anyone at ending up in the winner's circle."

The reason for Etchells' confidence can be found in the events of the past three weeks. The Terry Manzer-led crew took advantage of this unusually long break to get further acquainted with each other and to perfect the routine necessary to perform between-round maintenance. In addition, a productive test session provided important data, which could be the key in establishing the consistency the team has been searching for.

"We'll definitely be better prepared for Gainesville," stated Etchells. "This will be our third race with the two cars, so the crew should be used to working together, especially after the drills they've been put through since Phoenix. We've also identified a couple of problem areas on the performance side, which I know Terry has addressed. All in all, things should go smoothly."

Any performance gains the Etchells crew may have made could play a significant role in this weekend's event. Not only is the competition in Funny Car at an all-time high, but the Sunshine State strip is also acknowledged as one of the best on the circuit, capable of delivering record times and speeds under the right conditions.

"The track in is about as good as any we've been on," explained Etchells. "It's smooth and the atmospheric conditions are wonderful - a sea level facility. Everything's there for record breaking runs, but I think the weather will be the determining factor. If it's warm and the sun is beating down on the track all day, I don't think you'll see any big numbers. But if it's cool and overcast, it's very possible the records we saw in Phoenix could be broken in Gainesville.

"Either way, the Kendall/Matco team will have their work cut out for them this weekend. But the potential is there, and I'm confident our Camaro is going to have a good showing. Who knows, I may even get that Gatornationals win I've been chasing."

Etchells Excerpts: This will be Chuck Etchells' 11th appearance at Gainesville Raceway … Chuck's previous best qualifying effort in Florida was 3rd in 1993 ….. Chuck hopes to improve upon his runner-up performance at the Gatornationals, which also occurred in 1993.

Fast Facts

WHAT: 32nd Annual Mac Tools Gatornationals, the third event on the 23-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN: March 15- 18, 2001

WHERE: Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Florida

SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with two sessions Friday, March 16 at 12:15 & 3:30 p.m., and concludes with two additional attempts at 12:15 & 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 18.

TV: There will be two hours of qualifying highlights from Gainesville on ESPN from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, followed by two hours of elimination round coverage on Sunday, March 18 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. on ESPN2 (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your local listings.) # # #