Phoenix: Whit Bazemore Saturday summary

BAZEMORE MAKES FIELD IN NO. 14 IN PHOENIX

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 26, 2005) - Whit Bazemore found himself on the bump spot, in No. 16, as he launched the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus for the final qualifying round of the weekend today. After struggling in the first three sessions (4.953/302.55, 10.647/76.15 and 8.00/98.45), he knew this was his last chance to make it safely into the field. The 17-time Funny Car winner who has never won at Firebird Raceway accomplished his goal by racing to a 4.882-second pass at 313.44 mph, placing him into No. 14.

"We went down the race track that last run," he said, "which was very important.

"The team is doing a great job. Sometimes you can be one run away from being perfect, or two or three, or a week.

"Lee (Beard, crew chief) and the guys have made progress with the Matco Tools Dodge. It's just not doing what he's telling it to do and sometimes that happens out here. It's a tough old game. We'll be all right. We can win from this position. We'll be ready for our A game tomorrow, and see what we can do with this hot rod."

Bazemore faces Del Worsham in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.

-dsr-