Columbus Chuck Etchells Racing Friday Pit Note

Friday proved to be a very eventful day for the Chuck Etchells Racing Team. First, it was announced that long-time crew chiefs Tim and Kim Richards would be released following this weekend's Pontiac Excitement Nationals. However, in a true showing of the team's dedication and professionalism, Whit Bazemore recorded the only sub-five second pass in the first qualifying session with an elapsed time of 4.993 seconds. When heavy rains washed out the evening time trial the Kendall Motor Oil/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 remained atop the field heading into Saturday's action.

"In light of everything that's going on, it's very important that the Kendall/Matco Camaro team have a good weekend. It was really good to run a '99 out of the trailer although I'm surprised no one bettered it. The lap was a good, safe one - a nice straight run down Broadway. Weather conditions permitting, we hope to step up and improve on that, because I'm sure our competitors will. No matter what happens, to perform that well under these difficult conditions speaks volumes for the people on this Etchells Racing team."