Englishtown Pre-Race: Epler is Ready to Play In Englishtown

(Note: The following is attached in text format for your convenience.)
                                                    Contact: Jon G. Knapp
                                                        Phone: (704) 662-3121
                                                        Fax: (704) 662-3021

EPLER IS READY TO PLAY IN ENGLISHTOWN 

Putnam, Conn., May 14, 2001 -.  The last time the world's fastest 
quarter-milers visited the Garden State, Racing Champions/Matco Tools pilot 
Jim Epler was in the middle of the best season of his career, with a win at 
the NHRA's inaugural Las Vegas race already under his belt.  Epler then 
proceeded to put his mark on the Matco Tools Supernationals field by 
mastering the unusual weather conditions with a 4.947-second, 308.14 mph 
pass, thus claiming the No.1 qualifying position at the rain-delayed event.  
Although A New Jersey victory eluded him, by season's end, Epler had added a 
prestigious U.S. Nationals title and another top qualifying performance to 
his racing resume, as well as his first Top Five points finish.

The 2001 Winston Drag Racing season has been a different story for the 
Phoenix, AZ resident, however, as he and the Chuck Etchells Racing team have 
battled with off-track concerns that have so far handcuffed their efforts to 
be competitive.  However, recent developments in the Etchells camp have 
resolved these problems and allowed the team to focus on their racecar, 
giving Epler several reasons for being optimistic heading into Englishtown.

"The best part is that we will be getting our two-car team back," stated 
Epler, alluding to team owner's Chuck Etchells' return to full-time 
competition after limited participation during the last two races.  "This 
will give Terry (crew chief Manzer) twice the data we've been getting over 
the last couple races, which should help him with the tune-up.  We saw how 
effective having two cars can be in Gainesville.  Terry made some adjustments 
in the lanes based on what Chuck's car had done and we made the quickest and 
fastest pass of eliminations.  

"I also think we're getting a better handle on what these race cars need to 
perform.  It's no secret that we've had our hands full this season, but I 
believe we're turning the corner.  It certainly couldn't come at a better 
time, because historically Englishtown is one of our fastest tracks.  I fully 
expect another record field, and we want to make sure both our cars get to 
play on Sunday."

For the fourth time this season, Jim Epler's racecar will also be displaying 
a new look, as for the next two races it will carry the familiar logos of toy 
store giant Toys R Us.  Although the official debut of the kaleidoscopic 
design will not occur until Friday's first qualifying session, over the last 
two weeks fans have been able a get a preview by watching the Etchells Racing 
Camaro being painted over the internet via a web cam at Body Dynamics Racing 
in Denver, NC.  The wholesome image behind this paint scheme add an extra 
element of excitement to this weekend's race for Jim Epler, who as father of 
twin girls, remembers his own experiences in the aisles of his local Toys R 
Us.

"I find this paint scheme particularly exciting because it is a different 
draw than that of other sponsors," explained Epler.  "The best part is that 
it's not strictly for kids, because adults enjoy Toys R Us as well.  When my 
kids were that age, we visited their stores often and spent a lot of money.  
But most importantly, it was a fun time for the whole family.  When I first 
saw the rendering for this car, it brought back many fond memories.  I know 
that when people see our Toys R Us/Matco Camaro, whether at the racetrack or 
as a toy in the stores, it will be a fun thing.  If we can make it a winner, 
it will be even more fun."

Epler Extras:  This weekend will be Jim Epler's 7th appearance at the Raceway 
Park, where he hopes to improve on his runner-up finish from 1998…Jim will be 
looking to repeat his No. 1 qualifying performance from this event a year ago

Fast Facts

WHAT:   32nd annual Matco Tools Supernationals, the eighth event on the 
23-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN:   May 18 - 20, 2001

WHERE:  Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, New Jersey

SCHEDULE:   Professional qualifying begins with two rounds on Friday, May 18 
at 5:00 & 8:00 p.m., and concludes with two sessions at 1:45 & 4:45 p.m. on 
Saturday, May 19.  Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 20.  

TV: There will be two hours of qualifying highlights from Englishtown on 
ESPN2 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19.  On Sunday, May 6, there 
will two hours of final elimination coverage from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. on ESPN2  
(Times given are Eastern.  As always, please check your local listings.)

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