Jim Epler Looks to "Crue"-ze in Gainesville

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

JIM EPLER LOOKS TO "CRUE"-ZE IN GAINESVILLE

Putnam, Conn., March 14, 2001 - When Jim Epler's Mötley Crüe/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car rolls to the line at Gainesville Raceway this weekend, the Phoenix resident will have automatically gained the support of an entirely new legion of fans. In addition to the normal crowd of drag racing enthusiasts, Epler's exploits at the Mac Tools Gatornationals are sure to be tracked by the devoted followers of the legendary rock band. This marks the first event of the 'Crüe's three-race association with Etchells Racing, and Epler is looking forward to the experience.

"Although this will be my first race with the Mötley Crüe/Matco Tools design on my Camaro, I had a similar situation last year with the WWF car," stated Epler. "It's fun to bring in new fans along with the hard-core drag racing crowd. I'm excited about having Mötley Crüe on board, because I grew up with their music. The neat part is that Vince Neil (lead singer for the band) is not only a huge drag racing fan, but a racer himself. These next three races should be fun."

Despite the added responsibility of driving the "Mötley Crüe-zer," Jim Epler is quietly optimistic as he arrives in Florida. In the three weeks since the world's best quarter-milers last raced in Phoenix, the Terry Manzer-led Etchells Racing crew has been hard at work preparing for the long season ahead. With the infusion of many new crewmembers, the layoff provided a welcome opportunity to develop the routine for the between-round maintenance of their racecar.

In addition, one very important item was completed and made fully functional - the team's massive transporter, their headquarters while on the road. Due to time constraints, the Etchells crew had been forced to pick up their trailer before the final installation of the interior cabinets, which severely hindered their efforts in Pomona and Phoenix. With this situation rectified, the team can now focus on taming what could potentially be a lightning-fast Gainesville Raceway surface.

"The Gatornationals have always been one the biggest races on the NHRA schedule," noted Epler. "There's an electricity in the air, with everyone from the Northeast coming down for the season opener and coming during Spring Break. If the conditions are right, we could have an even quicker Funny Car field than we had in Phoenix.

"It's been way too long since we last raced, but it's given the Mötley Crüe/Matco team a chance to get things sorted out. We've added some new crewmembers, and they've now worked together and seen where everyone fits. In addition, we were able to get the trailer finished, which will be a big advantage. We certainly want to reward the many Mötley Crüe fans out there by having a big debut in Gainesville. I came close to winning in my first race here in 1992, and I'd sure like to get it done here this weekend."

Epler Extras: This will be Jim Epler's eighth appearance at Gainesville International Raceway … Jim's previous best qualifying effort in Florida was 2nd in 1995 … Jim hopes to improve upon his runner-up performance at the Gatornationals, which he accomplished in his first race in Florida in 1992.

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 International 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: Coverage from Gainesville will start with 2 hours of qualifying highlights on ESPN from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, and concludes on Sunday, March 18 with a two-hour broadcast of final elimination highlights from 5-7 p.m. on ESPN2. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your local listings.) # # #