Bazemore joins regional cycling team

Racecar driver feeds competitive drive with off-track training.

Columbus, Ohio^ËAlthough he's accustomed to hitting speeds of more than 325 mph in his nitro-fueled Matco Tools Funny Car, Whit Bazemore also finds fast excitement on a bicycle during his few hours away from the NHRA POWERade Professional Drag Racing Series. Bazemore, a two-time US Nationals Champion who drives the Matco Tools Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car for Schumacher Racing, uses cycling to keep fit for his job as a professional funny car driver, but also admits his hobby helps fuel his competitive spirit. As a reward for his passion, Bazemore has been added to the 2003 roster for the Kreitler-BP Tech Racing Team based in Columbus, Ohio.

"Being relatively new to the sport of competitive cycling, it's a real honor for me to be asked to be on the team, and especially one as competitive as the Kreitler-BP Tech team," stated Bazemore. "Obviously, for me, it's a hobby. But at the same time, it's a hobby I take very seriously, and in that regard, being a member of the Kreitler-BP Tech Team means a great deal to me."

After a devastating motorcycle accident in 1996, Bazemore defied the predictions of his doctors who said he'd never walk without a limp again^Ënevertheless run^Ëby bicycling through a painful recuperation. When his recovery was complete, Bazemore found that he'd developed a passion away from the NHRA racetrack for mountain biking, road riding and even track racing on the Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis.

In addition to Bazemore, Kreitler-BP Tech also recruited his wife, Michelle, who is a Category 1 (USCF*) for both road and track events. The roster also includes US Masters Champions Clay Giuffre and LuAnne Murray, as well as Lisa Giuffre and Kevin Murray, who have both medalled in US Masters Nationals Events. Additionally, Clay Giuffre, Lisa Giuffre, Kevin Murray and LuAnne Murray have competed in US Olympic Qualification and Festival events.

Although the Kreitler-BP Tech team is small, its size helps its racers find camaraderie and focus. "When you're on a team as competitive as Kreitler-BP Tech is, it increases your commitment and motivates you to get good results," says Whit Bazemore.

The Midwest will host both the 2003 US Masters National Road and Track Championships, and because seven of the nine Kreitler-BP Tech racers are considered "Masters" by the USCF*, these events are ultimate collective goals. With its particular focus on track events the Major Taylor Velodrome will be the proving ground for the Kreitler-BP Tech Racers as they prepare to compete in their specific age groups at Masters Nationals.

"In the past, many of our racers have come very close to winning Nationals by bringing home silver and bronze medals," said Murray. "All of our racers have trained hard and they are highly motivated to put on the ^Ìstars and stripes' jersey as National Champions." The US Masters National Road Championships will be hosted by Louisville, KY, August 4-9, 2003, and the Kenosha Velodrome in Kenosha, WI, August 11-15, 2003, will host the US Masters National Track Championships.

The Kreitler-BP Tech Team is proud to be sponsored by Kreitler Rollers, used for training by Olympians and serious cyclists worldwide, and Biomass Processing Technology Inc., a leading company implementing renewable resource engineering for a healthier planet. Kreitler-BP Tech Racing is also sponsored and supported by: Bianchi Bicycles, Biemme Custom Cycling Apparel, GU Energy Gel, Kenda Tires, Limar Helmets and Northwave Cycling Shoes.

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