Sat, 25 Oct 2003, 11:35 PM Arnie Karp Announces His Retirement as a Driver

Courtesy of Bob Wilber

LAS VEGAS -- Arnie Karp failed to qualify for the AC Delco Las Vegas Nationals, ending the day in a side-by-side qualifying pass next to teammate Del Worsham. At the conclusion of the run, Karp crossed the center line and took out the top end timing blocks on the track.

Quotes from Arnie Karp:

"You've seen my last run in a Nitro Funny Car. I've worked hard to be a good driver, but it's clear that the car is ahead of me and on that run I put my teammate and my best friend in all of drag racing in peril. I can't do that again, and I won't. I'm stepping down. I did the absolute best I could, but I have to be man enough to stand up and say I'm walking away.

"We turn the page a lot in our lives, and I turned the page on this when I got out of the car at the other end. I'm happy with it, in my heart, because I know it's the right decision. I'm very sorry to have hurt the car, and by doing that we also DNQ'd, which I also feel badly about. But, the key part is just doing the right thing and that's what I'm doing. There are more important things than the car and the DNQ. There are people involved and these cars can hurt you. I don't want that to happen, so we're moving on now.

"I've had a great career, with a million great memories, and this comeback was a dream for me. I'm so proud of my son Michael for making this all happen, and I could not possibly be any prouder of every member of this team. As far as I'm concerned, they're the best team in the sport. I thank everyone for giving me this chance, and now I'll be standing there with them as we move forward. The Worshams are the best, and I thank Del and Chuck from the very bottom of my heart.

"It's full speed ahead for the team, for the car, for my dear friend Keith Hughes, who has been with me just short of forever, and for our sponsors. From this moment forward, it's all about the future and putting the best possible car on the track."

The Artisan "T2" team will compete in Pomona at the season's final race, with Cory Lee in the driver's seat.

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