Jim Epler Returns Home for the Northwest
Nationals
(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
JIM EPLER RETURNS HOME FOR NORTHWEST NATIONALS
Putnam, Conn., July 24, 2001 - While the Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest
Nationals is simply the second leg of the traditional "West Coast Swing" to
most of the competitors on the NHRA's Winston Drag Racing series, the race
marks a homecoming for United Car Care/Matco Tools Camaro pilot Jim Epler.
Although the official records list the veteran Funny Car driver as a resident
of Phoenix, Arizona, Epler was born in nearby Richland, Washington and cut
his drag racing teeth on the same Seattle International Raceway track that
the world's best quarter-milers will be competing on this weekend.
"I'm fortunate to have two tracks that I call home, Firebird Raceway in
Phoenix and Seattle International Raceway," stated Epler. "I spent twenty
years in the Northwest, and have a lot of racing history at SIR. This is the
same track I raced on when I had my alcohol Funny Car in the 80's, so it's a
treat to go back there every year.
"Of course, things will be hectic from the moment we hit town with all our
family and friends in the area. It's also an important region for United Car
Care, and they will have another large group at the races every day. There's
more pressure to perform knowing they're in the stands watching, but it's
always special."
Any inside information Epler may have acquired during his nascent years on
this track will be most appreciated by his crew, as the tricky racing surface
is often as big a story as the actual competition. In addition to Epler's
valuable experience, the Etchells Racing team's chances are further bolstered
by the presence of crew chiefs Terry Manzer and Roland Leong, each of whom
has his own record of success in the Pacific Northwest.
"In its current state, Seattle International Raceway gives both drivers and
crew chiefs fits," explained Epler. "On one hand, with the track near sea
level and surrounded by trees, the atmospheric conditions are perfect for
making horsepower. Unfortunately, you have to balance that power against a
very treacherous racing surface. As a driver, you have to make sure to steer
clear of the various bumps and keep the car on the track and under power.
Even with the perfect set-up, you have your hands full. It's a challenge
that I really enjoy.
"Without a doubt, the team that does the best job adapting to the track will
come out on top. Fortunately, we come in well armed. Etchells Racing was
the No. 1 qualifier last year and set the track record, while I made it to
the semi-finals. In addition, Terry (Manzer) and Roland (Leong) have each
mastered this track in the past. That is a powerful combination, and we hope
to get the job done this weekend with either my United Car Care/Matco Camaro
or Chuck's Sunoco/Matco Camaro."
Etchells Excerpts: This will be Chuck Etchells' 8th appearance at Seattle
International Raceway … Chuck will be looking to match his previous No. 1
qualifying performance in Kent from 1994…In his previous seven appearances,
Chuck qualified outside the top half only once, with an average 5.4 starting
position … Chuck will be looking to improve on his semi-final finish at this
event in 1995.
Epler Exclusives: This will be Jim Epler's 8th appearance at SIR … Jim's
previous best qualifying performance in Washington came in 1993, when he was
3rd … Jim will be aiming to improve on his semi-final finishes from this
event a year ago…Jim sits 11th in the Winston Points Standings.
Fast Facts
WHAT: 14th annual Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals, the
fifteenth event on the 24-race 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.
WHEN: July 27 - 29, 2001
WHERE: Seattle International Raceway, Kent, Washington
SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with two rounds on Friday, July 27
at 5:00 & 7:00 p.m., and concludes with two sessions at 2:00 & 4:00 p.m. on
Saturday, July 28. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July
29.
TV: There will be three hours of qualifying highlights on ESPN2 from Seattle
International Raceway on Saturday, July 28, starting with sixty minutes from
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and followed by two additional hours from 10 p.m. -
midnight. On Sunday, July 29, there will two hours of final elimination
coverage from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on ESPN2. In addition, the weekly NHRA
magazine show, NHRA Heat, will air on ESPN2 from 6:00 - 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. on
Thursday, July 26. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please check your
local listings.)
# # #
