Etchells Atlanta Pre-Race - Epler looks to make a positive 1st impression

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


EPLER LOOKS TO MAKE A POSITIVE 1ST IMPRESSION IN ATLANTA 

Putnam, Conn., May 2, 2001 - Since the announcement of Sunoco's primary 
sponsorship a week ago, the Etchells Racing team has often been described as 
being in a transition period.  Although this depiction may be true, as 
evidenced by the ever-increasing presence of Sunoco's familiar blue and 
yellow colors and the addition of new crew members, Jim Epler is quick point 
out that anyone over looking the Sunoco/Matco Tools Camaro at this weekend's 
Advance Auto Parts Nationals could be in for a big surprise.

"Sunoco's coming on board is a huge weight off of everyone's shoulders," 
stated Epler.  "For the first time all season, we can concentrate on racing 
without any distractions.  While it is true that we are building our two-car 
effort back up to full strength, our primary focus in Atlanta will be on the 
Sunoco/Matco Camaro, and we've made some substantial progress with our 
tune-up over the last few races.  We fully expect to go out and run well 
right away."

The location of this week's NHRA national event adds to Epler's pre-race 
optimism.  Located in Commerce, approximately an hour north of Atlanta, the 
racing surface at this Georgia drag strip received extensive attention a year 
ago with the lengthening of the concrete starting line "launch pad."  As 
such, the overall configuration will be very similar to what the Winston Drag 
Racing Series faced in Bristol as few days ago, something which Epler feels 
could work in the Etchells crew's favor.

"In many ways, the Atlanta Dragway surface is similar to the track in 
Bristol," explained Epler.  "However, since it has more runs on it, and 
therefore more rubber, it might even be a little better depending on the 
weather.  We made some fairly good runs last week in Tennessee, and from what 
we learned, I think we know what it will take to run even better in Georgia." 
  

Most importantly, Jim Epler and the entire Etchells organization realizes the 
significance of these first few races with their new sponsor, and they are 
determined to make the experience a positive one.  Naturally, a strong 
performance at this weekend's event would be a step in the right direction.

"Although our focus is always on winning, we know it is extremely important 
for the Etchells team to do well for Sunoco the rest of this year, and the 
sooner we get started the better," said Epler.  "As with all our sponsors, we 
want to show them that they've made the right decision.  Even though this 
association will be primarily for Chuck, as he will take over the 
Sunoco/Matco Camaro in Englishtown, we are all part of the same team.  This 
weekend, I simply need to do my part.  

"The bottom line is that we are coming to Atlanta looking to win.  We have 
already shown glimpses of what we're capable of, and from here on out, we're 
only going to get better.  We may be a team in transition, but if you take us 
too lightly, you will regret it."  

Etchells Excerpts:  This weekend will be Chuck Etchells' 11th appearance at 
the Atlanta Dragway, where he hopes to improve one position on his runner-up 
performance here from 1993…In qualifying Chuck will be looking to duplicate 
his No. 1 performance at this event in 1993…In his last appearance at the 
Commerce quarter-mile in 1998, Chuck qualified 12th and advanced to the 
semi-finals.

Epler Extras:  Jim will be making his 8th appearance at the Atlanta Dragway, 
and aims to improve upon his semi-final finish here from 1994…Jim previous 
best qualifying performance in Georgia was 5th, which he accomplished in 1994 
& 1999…One year ago, Jim qualified 6th for this event and advanced to the 
quarter-finals


Fast Facts

WHAT:   21st annual Advance Auto Parts Southern Nationals, the seventh event 
on the 23-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN:   May 3 - 6, 2001

WHERE:  Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Georgia

SCHEDULE:   Professional qualifying begins with two rounds on Friday, May 4 
at 4:00 & 7:30 p.m., and concludes with two sessions at 11:45 a.m. & 3:00 
p.m. on Saturday, May 5.  Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 
May 6.  

TV: There will be two hours of qualifying highlights from Bristol on ESPN2 
from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.  On Sunday, May 6, there will two 
hours of final elimination coverage from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2  (Times 
given are Eastern.  As always, please check your local listings.)

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