Commerce: Whit Bazemore Saturday summary

BAZEMORE'S CONFIDENCE UP WITH STRONG PERFORMANCE IN ATLANTA, EARNS NO. 8 IN QUALIFYING

COMMERCE, Ga. (May 6, 2006) - Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car driver Whit Bazemore's confidence is rising as he and the Matco Tools team continue to improve their performance in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car class.

Following a mechanical glitch in the first round of qualifying for the Summit Racing NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, resulting in a 15.594/66.55 lap, Bazemore posted a stellar 4.780/304.25 in the night session, then followed that up with an impressive 4.871/317.27 in the heat of the afternoon. The final session produced a 5.195/215.89, after Bazemore clicked it off early, establishing the No. 8 spot in the field.

"The Matco Tools Dodge team has done a great job," he said. "We were on a decent run this afternoon and the (supercharger) belt broke, and then this morning we had fourth low ET of the session.

"We're in the top half and it's all good. I think we have a real raceable car."

Bazemore is matched up against Tony Pedregon in first round of eliminations on Sunday.

-dsr-