Reading: Gary Scelzi preview

SCELZI PUMPED FOR READING

FRESNO, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2007) - Gary Scelzi is pumped to compete in this weekend's Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. He's already clinched a spot in the Countdown to the Championship and is ready for the next phase at the U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend after the completion of this event. The four-time NHRA world champion and driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car is a three-time titlist at Maple Grove, and is eager to get on this very fast quarter-mile following a strong result last weekend in Brainerd, Minn.

"After coming off of a semifinal finish in Brainerd," said Scelzi, seventh in the standings. "I'm excited about going to Reading. I know the track has had some repairs there, and I know, if the sun's out, as porous as that race track is, it's going to be a very difficult race track just to negotiate."

Scelzi also has confidence in his new crew chiefs Todd Okuhara and Phil Shuler. "Todd seems to be pretty good on a slippery race track and very confident in his tune-up. That's going to bring confidence to my team and myself, and right now that's exactly what we need gong into Indy.

"So, we'll go to Reading and hopefully the weather will cooperate. If the temperatures are a little cooler, that will be even better. We'll go there and try to get us a first win with Todd Okuhara and Phil Shuler being our crew chiefs."

-credit: dsr