Topeka: Bill Windham preview

Windham Runs Competitive Times in Testing; Ready to Qualify Big O Tire Chevy at Topeka

Bill Windham's drive to a Pro Stock starting position hasn't  been as
straight as an NHRA quarter-mile track.  It more resembles Formula  One's race
through the streets of Monaco.  There have been some twists and  turns.

But now, the tire store owner from El Dorado Hills, Calif., believes his rookie season trials and tribulations are back on the straight and narrow as his Big O Tire Chevy Cobalt team heads for the O'Reilly Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, Friday through Sunday.

"We had an excellent test session Monday after (the) St. Louis (race, May 7)," Windham said. "Then we had an extra week to sit and wait, so it's been almost a month since I've been in the racecar. But now I am definitely more comfortable in the car."

Windham, a former drag racing bracket  racer and sports car driver, began Pro
Stock testing in February. His qualifying  attempts at Atlanta and St. Louis
weren't competitive enough, but, he says, "We  had our complete race setup in
the car for the first time during the test  session, including the motor and
clutch and we ran very competitive times -- 6.70  and 6.71 seconds."

Had those numbers come in previous Saturday  qualifying, Windham would have
placed in the top half of the starting  lineup.

"Needless to say we are looking forward to going to  Topeka," said Windham,
who, with partner Greg Mitchell, purchased this Cobalt  from team owner Greg
Hill.  "I have been getting seat time at the last few  races and during
testing, but now I want to get into the show at Topeka.   The car has really improved
over the past few races and so has the  driver."

Windham credited crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia, who oversees his car and that of teammate Kenny Koretsky, and engine builder Steve Schmidt for his gradual improvement.

-credit: wm/jls