Sat, 22 Sep 2001, 08:49 PM Yates Checked Out for Chest Pains

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

MILLINGTON, Tenn. -- Jim Yates, driver of the Splitfire/Peak Pontiac Grand Am and No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock for the AutoZone Nationals complained of chest pains following today's first qualifying run. He was examined by NHRA emergency medical services officials and it was recommended that he be transported to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis for further evaluation as a precaution. Yates, a two-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock champion, drove his Grand Am to a 6.883 at 198.85 to earn the top spot in the 16-car field. He is currently second in the Winston championship standings, 80 points behind leader Warren Johnson. Should he be cleared by medical officials to compete in tomorrow's 11 a.m. eliminations, he will face teammate Rickie Smith in the first round. It is Yates' second No. 1 qualifying effort of the season (also Las Vegas) and 19th of his career. It is the first No. 1 qualifying effort for Yates at Memphis Motorsports Park.