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NHRA: Bazemore relishes perceived underdog status heading into Phoenix

21 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Putnam, Connecticut - Although the 2000 NHRA season is but one race old, several people have already expressed an opinion on how they see the fight for the Funny Car championship unfolding. Surprisingly, one of the names occasionally omitted from the current crop of contenders is Whit Bazemore. However, rather than view this snub as an insult, Bazemore and his Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Racing Team prefer to use this new-found anonymity as extra motivation heading into the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona.

"There are people in and around this sport that have a tendency to quickly discount this team," said Bazemore. "That's fine with us. The fact remains, however, that this Etchells Racing team is very strong, and has been for eight years, winning races and even leading the points on several occasions. Personally, I've finished third two of the last three years. If that's not enough for those so-called experts, so be it.

"What matters to us is that our competitors perceive us as a threat. Come final eliminations on Sunday, no one wants to see the Kendall/Matco Camaro in the other lane."

There is another reason besides racing that Bazemore is looking forward to returning to the Valley of the Sun. In the years since an off-track motorcycle accident prematurely ended his season in 1996, Bazemore has developed a passion for mountain biking, which was originally used for rehabilitation and now forms an integral part of his personal fitness routine. This week, Bazemore plans to take advantage of the Arizona climate to get in some extra seat time, first during a test session with his Kendall/Matco Camaro, and then in the desert in the saddle of his mountain bike.

"When you live in Indianapolis, it's nice to be able to go to the Southwest in the winter where you can do things outdoors that just aren't possible at home right now," explained Bazemore. "For me, that includes mountain biking. I really enjoy the challenge it presents, and it's proven a great way to maintain my fitness, which I believe translates into better driving on the track.

"Arizona has some outstanding areas in which to ride, not only in Phoenix, but also up in Sedona. While we were testing here earlier in the year, I was able to go out every day. I plan to do that again this week, heading out to South Mountain early in the morning and getting in a good eighteen miles, which just sets you up for the day. That's a luxury we can't find at any other stop on the circuit."

However, Bazemore's primary focus, as always, will remain on returning the Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro to the winner's circle, something he believes can be accomplished this weekend at Firebird International Raceway.

"I feel even more confident than normal heading into Phoenix," stated Bazemore. "The direction Tim Richards took in the tune-up during final eliminations in Pomona made us extremely competitive. We lost a very close race in the second round and learned a valuable lesson. Just as other teams have risen to the occasion in recent events, so shall we make sure to maximize our talent to put ourselves on the positive side in all future encounters.

"We have a fast car and plan to test this Tuesday before the race in order to refine our set-up even more. It'll be good to get back in the driver's seat. It's been a couple of weeks and even though it's been nice to be home, the more runs you make, the better you are. Besides, this Kendall/Matco Camaro team can't wait to prove those railbirds wrong, and the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals would be the perfect opportunity to do so."

BAZEMORE BANTER: This will be Whit's seventh appearance at Firebird International Raceway, where he looks to duplicate team owner Chuck Etchells' win from 1998....Bazemore qualified 3rd and advanced to the semi-finals at this event one year ago....During off-season testing in Phoenix, Bazemore's Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro was one of the few cars to complete full-power passes.

Fast Facts

WHAT 16th annual Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals, the second event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.

WHEN: February 24-27, 2000

WHERE: Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Arizona

SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions start with two sessions on Friday, February 25 at 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m., and conclude on Saturday, February 26 with two rounds at 12 noon and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 27.

TV: Speedvision will air ninety minutes of final eliminations coverage from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 27, which Fox Sports will re-air a midnight on the same day. (All times Eastern, unless noted. As always, please check your local listings.)

Text provided by Jon Knapp

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