NHRA Pre-Race: Former Nugget Hammonds Ready to Strike Gold In Denver

FORMER NUGGET HAMMONDS READY TO STRIKE GOLD IN DENVER
Winnebago/GM Vehicle Care Cavalier crew hopes for successful homecoming at 
Bandimere Speedway

Crestview, Fla., July 15, 2002 - From 1992 to 1997, Tom Hammonds patrolled 
the hardwood at the McNichols Sports Arena as a power forward for the Denver 
Nuggets.  During that time, he experienced some of the greatest moments of 
his professional basketball career, including being a member of the 1993 
squad that made NBA history when the No. 8-seeded Nuggets toppled the 
top-rated Seattle Supersonics in the first round of the playoffs. 

However, playing basketball will be of little interest to Hammonds when he 
returns to the Mile High City this time.  Having retired from the NBA last 
September, Hammonds will head straight to Bandimere Speedway, site of this 
weekend's Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals.  Despite the expected 
distractions, as driver of the Winnebago/GM Vehicle Care Cavalier, Hammonds' 
focus during this homecoming remains on capturing that elusive first NHRA 
national event win.

"I always look forward to the Mile-High Nationals," stated Hammonds.  "I have 
always enjoyed a close relationship with the Bandimeres, and have had a lot 
of fun at their racetrack.  Besides, Denver is my second home, and a 
beautiful city.  I had some great years there when I played for the Nuggets, 
so it's always special when we come back to the area.  

"I made a lot of friends during my playing days who will be coming out to 
cheer us on, so the pressure will be on to put our Winnebago/GM Vehicle Care 
Cavalier in the winner's circle.  That, as always, remains the top priority 
for every member of this team."

However, in order to achieve success on the mountain, the Hammonds crew must 
master the unique conditions presented by Bandimere Speedway.  Carved out of 
the side of the Rockies, it is one of the most picturesque stops on the NHRA 
POWERade Drag Racing circuit.  But appearances can be deceiving, as the 
wafer-thin air effectively strangles the naturally aspirated "factory hot 
rods", robbing them of crucial horsepower, and putting added pressure on 
those turning the wrenches.  In arguably the most competitive division in all 
of motorsports, the room for error is virtually nil.  

"It is amazing to think of the strain that those 500 cubic inch engines go 
through as they gasp for air that isn't there," said Hammonds.  "Therefore, 
it's up to us to find way to compensate and make our powerplants breathe 
easier.  There are several options we can take, from changing the carburetor 
jetting or engine timing, to using different gear ratios, or a combination of 
all the above.  Either way, the tuners have to be on their game from the 
start.

"Normally, you'd like to test before Denver, but we had to make some 
last-minute repairs to the nose of our Winnebago/GM Vehicle Care Cavalier, 
which prevented us from making it up to Bandimere before the race.  
Fortunately, we have some great notes from last year which we can use a 
starting point.  We should be in good shape."

Another point for the Hammonds crew to consider is that this race represents 
the first stop on the NHRA's traditional West Coast Swing, with three races 
in consecutive weekends.  Although some will argue that a strong performance 
in Bandimere provides a springboard for the remaining two events, Hammonds 
prefers to maintain a more logical approach.

"Although I feel it's important that we get a good start to the West Coast 
swing, how we do here will neither make or break us," detailed Hammonds.  
"We'd certainly like to do well to gain momentum and put ourselves back in 
the points chase.  However, our focus remains on strong, consistent 
performances at every race.

"Right now, this Winnebago/GM Vehicle Care Cavalier team is looking to win 
anywhere we can.  If that first win comes in Denver in front of our friends, 
fans and acquaintances, it would just make it even more special." 

Hammonds Highlights: Although Tom continues to tune the Winnebago/GM Vehicle 
Care Cavalier, new team member Brian Morris has taken over driving the team's 
transporter…Tom is currently 11th in the NHRA POWERade Points standings, and 
is only 7 points (less than one round of competition) out of 10th. 

Fast Facts

WHAT:   23rd annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals,                          
          
the thirteenth race on the 23-race 2002 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series 
Schedule.

WHEN:   July 18-21, 2002

WHERE:  Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colorado

SCHEDULE:   Professional qualifying begins with two sessions on Friday, July 
19 at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m., and concludes with two more sessions on Saturday, 
July 20 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Final eliminations will start at 11:00 
a.m. on Sunday, July 21.

TV: ESPN will televise two hours of qualifying highlights from 7:00 - 9:00 
p.m. on Saturday, July 20.  Final eliminations coverage can be seen on ESPN2, 
with three hours scheduled on Sunday, July 21 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  The 
NHRA's weekly magazine show, NHRA2Day will on Sunday, July 21 from 
11:00-11:30 a.m. (Times given are Eastern.  As always, please check your 
local listings.)