A Very Thirsty Etchells Racing Team Returns to
Their Fountain of Youth
(Note: The following is attached in text format for your convenience.)
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
Phone: (704)
662-3121
Fax: (704)
662-3021
www.etchellsracing.com
A VERY THIRSTY ETCHELLS RACING TEAM RETURNS TO THEIR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Putnam, Conn., July 12, 2001 - In any sport, individuals or teams
encountering difficult times will often point to a particular event or
location which favors a reversal of fortune. For example, a baseball player
may look forward to an encounter with a pitcher against whom they have had
previous success. A golfer will eagerly anticipate a return to a course that
suits his or her playing style. The simple boost in confidence provided by
prior accomplishments is often enough to restore a competitor's winning form.
Bandimere Speedway, site of next weekend's NHRA Mopar Parts Mile-High
Nationals, has been such a rejuvenating place for the Etchells Racing Team.
Since winning in their first visit to this scenic quarter-mile nine years
ago, the Etchells entry has added a second win with their record
setting-performance of a year ago to go with four runner-up finishes.
Qualifying has also been a strong point, having captured the top spot three
times while having only one performance outside the top half of the field.
Therefore, it is easy to see why Chuck Etchells and the entire Sunoco/Matco
Tools Camaro Z28 crew are anxiously anticipating their annual visit to
Colorado.
"This team has been very fortunate over the years to have three crew chiefs,
Maynard Yingst, Tim Richards and Terry Manzer who had that magic combination
for Bandimere Speedway," explains Etchells. "We love going there every year.
It is a beautiful facility, run by one of the top families in the NHRA, the
Bandimeres. In addition, the fans are really great and the scenery is
outstanding. The fact that we have always run well there is an added bonus."
This year, however, the extra benefit that Etchells speaks of takes on added
significance. The 2001 Winston Drag Reason has not been kind to the Etchells
crew, as they have battled to overcome obstacles both on and off the
racetrack. As a result, this perennial contender finds itself in an
unfamiliar position outside the Top 10 in the points standings. A strong
performance on the mountain could go a long way towards righting a ship that
came perilously close to sinking. For team owner Etchells, it is a case of
déjà vu.
"The timing of this year's event is almost bizarre," states Etchells. "A
year ago when Whit was driving we arrived in Colorado really struggling and
had just changed crew chiefs. The next thing you know, we not only win the
race but also make the first four-second run in the history of Bandimere
Speedway, paving the way for a strong second half.
"There is no denying that we have had a dismal season to this point in 2001.
For a variety of reasons, we simply have not been ready to race
competitively. However, we should pull into Denver at full strength. Our
parts inventory is finally getting where it should be, and many of our crew
guys are settling into their jobs after a long training period. With Roland
(Leong) coming on board in Pomona, there is no doubt we're a better team.
"If our history is any indication, we should be in the thick of things at the
Mile-Highs, and it can't come soon enough. We need to get our Sunoco/Matco
Camaro into the winner's circle, and if there's one place we know how to do
that, it's Bandimere Speedway."
Etchells Excerpts: This will be Chuck Etchells' 8th appearance at Bandimere
Speedway … Chuck will be looking to match his previous No. 1 qualifying
performances in Denver from 1993 and 1995 … Chuck will be looking to
duplicate his winning performance from this event in 1992.
Epler Exclusives: Jim Epler will be making two personal appearances along
with the United Car Care/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 in the Denver area: .The
first will be from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17 at Jerry Roth
Chevrolet, 8351 Parkway Drive in Littleton, Colorado. For any questions or
directions, please call (800) 688-7684. On Wednesday, July 18, from 11 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Jim will be at Bozarth Chevrolet, 2001 S. Havana Street in Aurora,
Colorado. For any questions or directions, please call (303) 751-7500…This
will be Jim Epler's 7th appearance at Bandimere Speedway … Jim's previous
best qualifying performance in Colorado came a year ago, when he was 3rd …
Jim will be aiming to improve on his two quarter-final finishes from this
vent in 1992 and 2000…Jim sits 11th in the Winston Points Standings.
Fast Facts
WHAT: 23rd annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, the fourteenth event on
the 24-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.
WHEN: July 19 - 22, 2001
WHERE: Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colorado
SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with two rounds on Friday, July 20
at 5:00 & 8:00 p.m., and concludes with two sessions at 1:00 & 4:00 p.m. on
Saturday, July 21. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July
22.
TV: There will be two hours of qualifying highlights from Pomona Raceway on
ESPN2 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21. On Sunday, July 22, there
will three hours of final elimination coverage from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on
ESPN2. In addition, the weekly NHRA magazine show, NHRA Heat, will air on
ESPN2 from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 19. (Times given are Eastern.
As always, please check your local listings.)
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