Sat, 2 Oct 1999, 04:06 PM Crash Puts Scelzi Out

By Ed Dykes NHRA Rules Prohibit Move to Another Car

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Today's crash means that Gary Scelzi will not be able to compete this weekend, and virtually eliminates his chances of winning a third consecutive NHRA Winston Championship.

After last night's engine explosion, Alan Johnson and Team Winston evaluated the damage to the chassis and elected to bring out their backup car. NHRA rules are specific with regard to substituting a car during the course of an event. The organization's Policy & Procedures manual states that, "...the original entered vehicle is withdrawn from competition, and cannot be reinstated." That eliminates the possibility of Team Winston reverting to their original car.

What about borrowing a car from another team?? Again, the rules are specific: "Teams will be limited to one replacement vehicle action per event."

So Team Winston is left with no options, as the damage suffered in the crash today is too severe to be repaired at this event, if ever. Scelzi will leave Heartland Park with the points he's earned by qualifying for this race, and no more.

And in the midst of the tightest points battle ever, Scelzi is left with virtually no shot at another Championship.



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