Chuck Etchells's Statement on his Team's Status in Gainesville

(Note: The following is also attached in text format for your convenience.)

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHUCK ETCHELLS' STATEMENT ON HIS TEAM'S STATUS IN GAINESVILLE 

Putnam, CT, April 20, 2001 -  Chuck Etchells, owner and driver of the Kendall 
Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car, today issued the following statement to 
address the many rumors which have surrounded the Chuck Etchells Racing team 
since the last NHRA national event in Las Vegas:

"I know our team has been the subject of widespread speculation over the last 
two weeks.  The fact is the Etchells Racing team is facing some very serious 
sponsorship issues.  Although we have been working to resolve these 
differences throughout the season, in the last week we found ourselves forced 
to consult with a top law firm in Connecticut who specializes in these 
matters.

"As we move forward, we shall be following our counsel's recommendations.  
Due to the extremely sensitive nature of this situation, it is not 
appropriate for me to go into the specifics at this moment.  However, I 
assure you a release will be issued in due time which will provide the facts 
of this matter in total detail.  In the meanwhile, we will continue to 
conduct ourselves in the same professional manner that we have displayed 
throughout this team's history.

"One element that has been lost throughout this period is that we have many 
other fine sponsors such as Matco Tools, Chevrolet, Mighty Auto Parts and a 
myriad of contingency sponsors to which we have a responsibility.  One of our 
top priorities at this time is to ensure that we work closely with them to 
ensure that we continue to serve their needs as best as possible.  

"As you can imagine, this has been an extremely difficult time for everyone 
in the CER organization.  This entire experience is new to all of us, and on 
behalf of the team, I would like to thank all those who have offered their 
support over these last few days.

"In closing, I can state unequivocally that the Kendall/Matco Camaro team is 
in Gainesville this weekend to race.  I know there have been reports that we 
would simply roll to the line to collect our qualifying money.  Nothing could 
be further from the truth.  We have an appointment in the first round on 
Saturday with John Force.  Throughout my career, I have never given John an 
inch on the racetrack, and I'm not about to start now.  Our goal for this 
weekend is do whatever we can to have both Etchells Racing entries win as 
many rounds as possible."
 
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