Etchells Puts 1st Half Behind Him, Looks forward to Pomona

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                                                    www.etchellsracing.com


ETCHELLS PUTS 1ST HALF BEHIND HIM, LOOKS FORWARD TO POMONA    

Putnam, Conn., One of the most prominent stories throughout 
the first half of the 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season has been the level 
of competition in the Nitro Funny Car division.  Eight times in the first 
twelve events, the 6.000 horsepower "fuel coupes" have set a new mark for the 
quickest field in the history of the class.  Every week, top-level cars and 
drivers have failed to make the cut for final eliminations, where upsets have 
also been common.

But on-track battles have been the least of Chuck Etchells' concerns, as his 
entire organization has been forced to deal with a series of issues over the 
last few months that threatened its very existence.  Complicating matters 
even further were the growing pains inherent with the expansion to a second 
car driven by Jim Epler.  As a result, both Etchells and Epler find 
themselves further down in the Winston points standings than they are 
accustomed to being.  

"Although the sponsorship issues did have a major impact on our team, there 
were other factors contributing to our slow start," explained Etchells.  "For 
example, adding the second car turned out to be a bigger undertaking than I 
thought it would be.  So in addition to the financial concerns, we had 
personnel matters to address.  Factoring in the second car, every problem we 
had to deal with was multiplied times two.  

"But we prefer to see this as a learning experience, and we are making 
progress.  I believe it has improved our team from top to bottom.  We've all 
learned and grown from this, which will pay dividends down the road."

Although Sunoco's assuming the role of primary sponsor in late April eased 
the financial worries, the team was still faced with the difficult task of 
attempting to rebuild while simultaneously fielding two cars at every NHRA 
national event.  Although advancements have been made, as evidenced by 
Epler's Racing Champions/Matco Tools Camaro reaching the semi-finals in 
Chicago, Etchells & Co. acknowledge that a lot of work remains to be done.

"I cautioned Sunoco that it might take us until Englishtown to get the team 
back up to speed, because we weren't even close to being ready to race," 
detailed Etchells.  "Our parts inventory was totally depleted, and it's 
taking some time for our suppliers, most of whom are small businesses who 
specialize in these materials, to restock us.  Our supplies were so low that 
we could not even test, which prolonged our competitive struggles.  

"In retrospect, I was probably overly optimistic, and should have added on a 
race or two.  We're basically trying to play catch-up with a field that has a 
six-month head start."

But rather that focusing on events in the past, Etchells enters the Pep Boys 
NHRA 50th Anniversary Nationals with his sights set on the remaining twelve 
races.  It is a window of opportunity that the Putnam, CT native plans to 
take full advantage of, starting in Pomona.

"If I had to grade our season so far, I would grade it a Z, the absolute last 
letter of the alphabet for our early-season sponsor situations, while giving 
ourselves and our performance a D," stated Etchells.  "However, we refuse to 
look back.  We know we are not as bad as we've looked, and we have goals that 
we plan to accomplish. 

"Naturally, in the second half, we'd like to get Jim back into the Top Ten.  
Moreimportantly, however, we have to put forth a strong effort and win some 
races with the Sunoco/Matco Camaro.   Sunoco came in and saved us.  With 
everything our team and our sport has to offer, a company of Sunoco's stature 
can really benefit.  We also have some great opportunities with other 
sponsors coming on Jim's Racing Champions/Matco car, such as Rug Doctor and 
United Car Care.  We have to show all of them that we are capable of carrying 
their banner. We've continued to excel in all other aspects of our team, 
while falling short in one area, and we're planning to pick that back up.

"Personally, I just want to win.  Realistically speaking, you can't sit out 
four races as I basically did and expect to even be in the Top Ten. It has 
also taken some time to get completely comfortable in the race car. One of my 
strengths was being able to stay ahead of the car going down the track, and 
after two years out of the seat it took a little time to return to that 
level.  I'm now comfortable to where I know I can win.  I have no other 
reason to be here if I'm not winning.  I love to golf and fish, and I don't 
want to be at the racetrack if I can't win."

Etchells Excerpts:  This will be Chuck Etchells' 21st appearance at Pomona 
Raceway … Chuck's previous best qualifying performances in Pomona came in 
1993 and 1997 when he captured the No. 1 position at the Winternationals … 
Chuck has also recorded two wins at this facility in 1992 and 1998.

Fast Facts

WHAT:   Pep Boys 50th Anniversary Nationals, the thirteenth event on the 
24-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN:   July 5 -7, 2001

WHERE:  Pomona Raceway, Pomona, California

SCHEDULE:   Professional qualifying begins with two rounds on Thursday, July 
5 at 2:45 & 6:00 p.m., and concludes with two sessions at 4:45 & 6:00 p.m. on 
Friday, July 6.  Final eliminations begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 7.  

TV: There will be one hour of qualifying highlights from Pomona Raceway on 
ESPN2 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 6.  On Saturday, July 7, there 
will two hours of final elimination coverage from 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. on 
ESPN2.  In addition, the weekly NHRA magazine show, NHRA Heat, will air on 
ESPN2 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 5.  (Times given are Eastern.  
As always, please check your local listings.)