Stevens Jr. No. 9 qualifier at Mopar Mile-High Nats

DON SCHUMACHER RACING
2006 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES
Round 13 of 23
Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals
Bandimere Speedway
Morrison, Colo.
Race Date: July 14-16, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438;
jstropus@earthlink.net

STEVENS JR. NO. 9 QUALIFIER AT MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS

MORRISON, Colo. (July 15, 2006) - Mopar driver Richie Stevens Jr.
steered the Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T into the No. 9
Pro Stock qualifying position for Sunday's Mopar Mile-High Nationals with a
solid and straight 7.105-second elapsed time at 193.07 mph on Friday night.

The New Orleans native fought off tough track conditions as ambient
temperatures reached the 100-degree mark and track temperatures over 130
degrees at Bandimere Speedway the past two days.

His other three qualifying passes resulted in a  7.181/192.47, a
7.154/193.13, and a run of 7.122/193.74, the fifth quickest of the final
session. "We had a really good run that last lap. It has me feeling good for
tomorrow," said Stevens.

"We have a really strong race car. We made it down the track all four times
this weekend, and we have been consistent. Each pass we have gotten better
and better.

"We have a solid setup for a hot track. It's nice to know we can run well in
all types of conditions, and that is a credit to the work that David
(Nickens, crew chief/engine builder) and Terry Adams (co-crew chief) have
put into this program.

"We'll be the first pair out tomorrow, and hopefully we can start the day
out good for Mopar and grab a quick win. It's going to be wide-open
tomorrow, and we're going for the win."

Stevens faces off against Mike Edwards in the first round of Sunday's
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock eliminations.

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