Jim Epler Looks Forward to Better
"Fishing" Conditions in Chicago
(Note: The following is attached in text format for your convenience.)
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
Phone: (704)
662-3121
Fax: (704)
662-3021
etchellsracing.com
JIM EPLER LOOKS FORWARD TO BETTER "FISHING" CONDITIONS IN CHICAGO
Putnam, Conn., September 25, 2001 - The bass is a game fish, well known for
its scrappy nature, especially when threatened. As a cold-blooded creature,
its metabolism and activity level are at their peak when the temperature is
between sixty and seventy-five degrees. Therefore, after looking at the
forecast for this weekend's NHRA Nationals in Chicago, Illinois, Jim Epler is
anticipating great things from the Bassinator. That is the name given to his
Bass Pro Shops/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car, which is also labeled as the
world's fastest fish.
"I've been checking the forecast, and it seems like we're going to have
perfect Bassinator weather this weekend," said Epler. "Much like our
namesake, we like it cool, with a high oxygen level. That's when the Funny
Cars fly.
"We'll be facing another tough field in Chicago, but if you look at our race
car, you'll see real bass fish scales, not an imitation. That's one big
bass, and we're going to display a fiercely competitive nature worthy of one
that size."
However, favorable conditions and strong bloodlines are not the only reasons
for Epler's optimistic outlook. His confidence is also bolstered by the
location of this weekend's race. Earlier this year at Route 66 Raceway,
Epler covered the quarter-mile quicker than he ever had during his Winston
Drag Racing career, a blistering 4.848 seconds en route to a semi-final
finish at the early summer event in Joliet.
"It's always encouraging to go back to a track where you've experienced
success," detailed Epler. "Ironically, the weather at Route 66 Raceway will
also be fairly close to what we had earlier this year. We expect the track
to be fast, and our car to respond accordingly. Back in June, we were able
to run my career best e.t despite having a little too much spoiler, which
hurt us after 1000 feet. We've made some changes based on what we learned,
and are returning with high expectations."
This weekend marks a change in the racing conditions, with the world's top
drag racers leaving the hot, slippery tracks of summer behind. During the
final five races of the 2001 season, they will face cooler temperatures and
lightning-fast racing surfaces.
"As a racer, you always want to go faster, but unfortunately the driver
element gets somewhat diminished on the super-fast tracks," explained Epler.
"I've always enjoyed having the ability to help the team win. We did have
some wild rides at Route 66 earlier this year because conditions were so good
you couldn't keep the front end on the ground.
"In addition, when the cars accelerate that hard, it's not easy keeping them
in the groove. That's when a Funny Car becomes really hard to hang onto. As a
driver, you have to anticipate where the car is going to go, and focus on
keeping going straight and fast."
Finally, with the number of opportunities diminishing with each passing race,
Epler recognizes how important it is that the Etchells Racing Team complete
what has been a most challenging year on a positive note.
"It has certainly been a tough season for the Etchells Racing team," stated
Epler, "but throughout our respective careers Chuck and I have always found
a way to persevere through the hard times and come out on top. I believe
we've shown that we're on our way back, and we're about due for that
breakthrough race.
"Quite honestly, it couldn't come at a better time than this weekend at Route
66 Raceway. As most fishermen can tell you, a bass is known for being
opportunistic, so it only makes sense that the Bass Pro Shops Camaro is going
to capitalize by landing the big one at the NHRA Nationals."
Etchells Excerpts: This will be Chuck Etchells' 4th appearance at Route 66
Raceway … Chuck will be looking to improve upon his previous best performance
in eliminations, which was a semi-final finish in 1998 … Chuck is hoping
to better on his No.7 qualifying efforts from 1998 & 1999, which stand as his
current best.
Epler Exclusives: This weekend marks Jim Epler's 5th appearance at the
Illinois quarter-mile, where he will be looking to improve upon his
semi-final finishes from 1998 & earlier this season. In qualifying, Jim will
be looking to better his previous best effort of 5th, which came in 1998.
Jim is currently in the 11th position in the Winston points standings.
Fast Facts
WHAT: Inaugural NHRA Nationals, the twentieth event on the 24-race 2001
NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.
WHEN: September 28-30, 2001
WHERE: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Illinois
SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying opens on Friday, September 28 with two
sessions at 4:00 & 7:00 p.m., , and concludes with two rounds at 1:00 and
4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 29. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m.
on Sunday, September 30.
TV: Television coverage from Chicago will start with one hours of qualifying
highlights on Saturday, September 29 from 10:00 - 11:00 p.m. on ESPN2. This
will be followed by two shows on Sunday, September 30 starting with early
elimination round coverage from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., and concluding with two and
a half hours of final elimination coverage from 8:30 -10:00 p.m. on ESPN2.
In addition, the weekly NHRA magazine show, NHRA Heat, will air on ESPN2 from
5:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 27. (Times given are Eastern. As
always, please check your local listings.)
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