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Seattle Pro Stock Preview

PRO STOCK'S EDWARDS HOPES TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AT SEATTLE KENT, Wash. -- Mike Edwards, a native of Broken Arrow, Okla., really can't explain why he has a tendency to become Pro Stock Superman at Seattle International Raceway. During the ...

Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM

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PRO STOCK'S EDWARDS HOPES TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AT SEATTLE KENT, Wash. -- Mike Edwards, a native of Broken Arrow, Okla., really can't explain why he has a tendency to become Pro Stock Superman at Seattle International Raceway. During the past three seasons, Edwards has compiled an impressive record at the quick quarter-mile in the Great Northwest. The Dewco Chevrolet Camaro driver posted back-to-back victories there in 1996 and 1997, and left the track with a semi-final appearance last season, losing to eventual runner-up Kurt Johnson in a close race. He'll try to continue that trend at the 12th annual Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals presented by Al's Auto Supply, July 30-Aug. 1, at Seattle International Raceway. The $1.3 million race is the 13th of 22 events in the $40 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. "I don't know if there's a trick to Seattle, but we've had some success there in the last few years," Edwards said. "You've got to find the right combination for that track. I think the combination we run works well there. It really fits the track and the typical weather conditions we face there during that time of the year." Edwards defeated Kurt Johnson at SIR in 1996 and topped Jim Yates there in '97 for two of his six career victories. He says it's always a confidence-builder returning to a winning track. "The confidence is there, but you've still got to perform," Edwards said. "The competition is so tough out here today in Pro Stock. We've got guys running fast and cutting great lights. Every race it seems to get a little more competitive." Especially this season. While SIR defending winner Warren Johnson has earned five victories, several other drivers have joined the winning parade this season, including Yates, Kurt Johnson, Allen Johnson, Jeg Coughlin and Richie Stevens. Edwards has been to two final rounds this season -- at Houston and Dallas -- but lost both times. Besides those efforts, Edwards has been working to figure out his Camaro. Edwards switched from a Pontiac Firebird to a Camaro at the beginning of this season. "We've struggled a little this year trying to figure this car out," Edwards said. "We thought we had a handle on the it until St. Louis. The car is really fast when you hit the setup, but it can be a little touchy when you don't. You've really got to stay on top of it. Especially at Seattle, where the weather conditions change rapidly. You've really got to find the right gear and clutch combination. It's critical to a good performance there." Edwards, the 1981 NHRA Winston Modified champion, serves as his own crew chief and has earned at least one victory each season since he claimed co-Rookie of the Year honors in 1996. He wants to keep that streak going this season. "We need to be more consistent," Edwards said. "We made it to two finals this season and it seems like the success we've had this season has come in spurts. Hopefully we can get back to the winner's circle pretty soon. Hopefully we'll get to celebrate in Seattle."

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