Scelzi powers to fifth in Reading qualifying

DON SCHUMACHER RACING
2004 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES
ROUND 21 OF 23
LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY
READING, PA.
RAIN-POSTPONED RACE DATES: OCT. 8-10, 2004

READING, Pa. (Oct. 9, 2004) - Gary Scelzi's HEMI-powered Dodge Stratus Funny
Car is beginning to look like its old self again, as Scelzi blasted down the
quarter-mile in 4.796 seconds at 318.77 mph to take No. 5 in final
qualifying for the rain-postponed Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. He matched Gary
Densham's fourth-place ET, but Densham's faster speed of 323.74 mph
relegated him to the higher position.

This followed an 8.473/94.48, a 4.864/317.34 and a 4.811/316.75 in the first
three qualifying sessions.

"We've just been picking away at it," said Scelzi. "Aside from the first
round tire smoker, we're trying to make little steps and little steps, and
it keeps reacting. We've just got to smooth it out a little bit at about 100
feet out. We're ready to race tomorrow, and whatever happens, happens."

Scelzi will face his teammate Whit Bazemore (fourth in points) in the first
round, which will affect the race for second place in the NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series Funny Car championship, as both drivers are vying for that
spot. "It's a shame we have to race Bazemore," said Scelzi, "but it's a
battle for who can get into second place. How it ends up and who is the
winner will probably tell a big tale tomorrow."

As it also turns out, third Don Schumacher Racing teammate Johnny Gray could
also be a spoiler and/or helper in the first round, as he faces Del Worsham,
who is currently second in the rankings. "Johnny can give us a big helping
hand tomorrow," added Scelzi, who is third in points. "That's what we needed
a team car for, one that can run, and Johnny can definitely drive and cut a
light. 

"There's probably a little revenge there between Johnny and Worsham too
because Johnny doesn't drive for them any longer. I'm sure the kitchen sink
will be thrown at them. It's going to be a big war tomorrow, it's going to
be fun to watch."