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Thursday, September 6
Looking for top-10
By Chuck Etchells
Special to ESPN.com
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With the U.S. Nationals nothing but a memory, the Winston Drag Racing Series takes this weekend off before heading into our final stretch of six races in eight weeks. I'm sure there are many of us who cannot wait to reach the Finals in Pomona and put this year behind us, but there is a lot work to be done before then.
Just like your favorite NFL football team will be doing starting this Sunday, the Etchells Racing team will be looking to make some big plays and score in the fourth quarter. Although the reasons may vary, every competitor in the pit area will tell you that these last six races are often the most important of the year.
It's easy to see the significance to those involved in the championship race. However, as you look further down the standings there are other battles that are of equal importance to those involved. For example, as we have clearly stated, one of our goals is to get Jim Epler back into the Top 10 of the Winston Points Standings. He is currently 11th, and we must make sure to take advantage of every opportunity. It won't be easy by any means, but it is definitely within our reach.
At the very least, there is not a team out there who could not use a win before the end of the year. For those who have already stood in the winner's circle, it's further validation to a solid season, and to those still looking for that first 2001 "Wally," it would be the high point of a difficult year and just reward for a lot of hard work. However, the chances to reach that top rung diminish with every race, so the pressure to perform continues to build right through Pomona.
We're also heading back to the super tracks like Reading and Dallas and horsepower-friendly weather conditions where fans will be treated to record elapsed times and top speeds. I think Whit's run in Indy is just the first of many huge runs you'll see from here on out. Therefore, crew chiefs and drivers alike will be looking to establish new marks at every stop on the circuit. Not only does that give your car a better chance at winning, but it gives the team a lift and provides some much-needed positive momentum heading into the off-season and into 2002.
Nevertheless, on-track performance is only one reason why this time of year is so crucial. With each passing race, there are fewer opportunities to convince current and potential sponsors to remain or join the team. Budgets are being put together and decisions made on where to spend them and a fast race car has proven to be an excellent motivator.
Obviously, our goal is to have a top-funded program for 2002. That is the only way that you can compete for the wins and the championship on a weekly basis. I've been in this sport too long to race for the sake of being out there. Our year has been dominated by outside distractions, which prevented us from focusing on racing, and as a result, our on-track performance has suffered.
Right now, we are trying to put together a multi-year deal, which will allow us to concentrate on the matters at hand, which in turn will allow us to do more for our sponsors. We show them that Etchells Racing offers the complete package on and off the track, but naturally, anything we can show them on the track during the next six races will do nothing but help.
You also have to use this time to evaluate your personnel for the future. I believe that crew-wise, we are in our best position of the year in terms of effort, camaraderie, and chemistry. I believe Terry, Larry, Roland, and Dave are working well together, with everyone on the same page. We have a few holes to fill, but we're getting there. It's important to make sure and hold on to good people, and this is the time of year to do so.
So I guess you can say the action will probably be more intense over the next two months than it has all year. It may seem hard to believe, but it's true.
Chuck Etchells, driver and owner the Sunoco/Matco Tools Camaro Z28 Funny Car, provides a diary to ESPN.com throughout the NHRA season.
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