 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
TOPEKA, Kan. -- Worsham & Fink Racing and CSK Auto Inc., parent company of Checker Auto Parts, Schuck's Auto Supply, and Kragen Auto Parts, have renewed their partnership with a multi-year agreement, keeping Del Worsham behind the wheel of a Checker Schuck's Kragen Pontiac Firebird Funny Car in the next millennium. Also, CSK Auto and Worsham & Fink Racing announced they will field two Funny Cars in the 2000 season with U.S. Nationals champ Frank Pedregon driving a new Pontiac. The two cars will be identically prepared and operate as a team in which information will be shared between the drivers and crews. "The guy who won the Winston championship for nearly all the past decade [John Force] is still proving that two Funny Cars operate better than one," said Worsham. "We've known this was the right approach for a long time, but we've been spending the last three years making sure the first primary sponsor we've ever had stayed with us. Now, entering our fourth year with Checker Schuck's Kragen, we all saw the chance to step up in a class that will be tougher than ever next year. This two-car approach came together pretty quickly. Since [CSK Auto] came onboard in 1997, we've had a real open dialogue and a long-range plan with the people there that has always been founded on being partners and growing together. We're thrilled, excited, and honored to have this opportunity." Joe Spica, manager of sales promotion/motorsports at Checker Schuck's Kragen, has been involved with the Worsham program since its inception. "When we got together with Del and his dad, Chuck Worsham, three years ago, we were making our first plunge into the primary sponsorship of a Professional NHRA car. Likewise, they had never been sponsored before, so we have indeed grown this program together," Spica said from the company's Phoenix headquarters. "We've watched Del develop into one of the top drivers in the sport and have seen his popularity grow race by race. We considered a number of options for the 2000 season and beyond, but we kept coming back to what has always worked for us: CSK Auto and the Worsham team. "We increased our involvement with the Worshams after our first year," Spica continued, "and they returned that to us in many ways throughout 1998 and 1999, on and off the track. We had already decided to commit significantly more resources toward making Del and Chuck's team one of the premier programs on the NHRA Winston Drag Racing tour in 2000 and beyond, and that was an easy decision considering how well they've worked for us. Then, we took a look at the idea of two Funny Cars, teaming Del with Frank Pedregon, his ability, and his personality, and it was clear we'd found a great way to further develop this program. We've put together two drivers who are fan friendly, very talented, and proven winners. As a team, there will only be one goal: to win." About the team concept, Worsham said, "We're going to be a true team, and I'll tell you right now there will be no number-one and number-two car. When we race each other, it will be head to head, and we'll see who gets to the finish line first. After that, both crews will work together to get the winning car to victory circle. Frank and I get along great, and we share the desire to pitch in and make the overall program the winner, however we get there. Ego will not be part of the equation. It's just about winning and representing our sponsor in the best way we can."
The new team will take to the track at the 2000 NHRA AutoZone
Winternationals in Pomona. A crew chief for the newer car, additional
crewmembers, and other key individuals who can assist in the overall effort
are being hired and will be announced at a later date.
|
|
Ready to take your order at 1-800-230-3030 | Customer Service 1-800-517-1035