Denver: Bruce Saver Toyota preview

White Cap Toyota Celcia funny car knocks on the door in the first half.

DENVER (July 19, 2002) - Despite a late start to the season, Team e-moola/Alan Johnson Racing has had the White Cap Toyota Celica Funny Car knocking on the door of victory in the first half of the 2002 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Going into this weekend's Mile-High Nationals in Denver, July 19-21, veteran racer Bruce Sarver has earned two top-qualifying positions while reaching the finals twice in just five starts.

"You can drive this White Cap Celica like a real race car," said the Bakersfield, Calif., native, who raced stock cars prior to entering drag racing. "The car is much more stable than what I've raced in the past, and has great traction in the rear. It's great to be able to make adjustments for each track and the conditions."

Sarver, a two-time national event winner, reached the final round at Englishtown, N.J., in his first race behind the wheel of the White Cap Celica Funny Car. He secured the top qualifying spot at his second race in Topeka and repeated the feat in Chicago the following week. In addition to Englishtown, Sarver lost a close battle in the finals at Columbus, Ohio. He is currently 16th overall in the Funny Car standings despite racing in less than half the events.

In addition to Sarver's accomplishments, the White Cap Toyota Celica Funny Car produced three top-10 qualifying positions and a final-round appearance at Gainesville, Fla., with Gary Scelzi behind the wheel. The two drivers have combined to earn 617 points in the White Cap Celica, seventh most in the class.

Sarver has qualified second in each of the last two years in Denver, and he feels the White Cap Celica Funny Car will be a factor in its first visit to the Mile High event.

"I've been able to run the White Cap Celica really hard so far, and I think will be an advantage here at Denver," Sarver commented. "It's been a pleasure working with Alan on this program, and I have a lot of confidence that this team will be a winner again soon."

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