FORCE GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL

by Dave Densmore

In 1992, after surviving an engine explosion and fire that sent his Castrol GTX Funny Car careening backward at 250 miles-an-hour into the Memphis Motorsports Park guardwall, a shaken and singed John Force quipped that he had "seen Elvis at a thousand feet."

This week when the 10-time NHRA Champion gets to that same spot on the Memphis quarter mile, he's more likely to see the face of Whit Bazemore, the only driver with a real shot at running him down for the 2001 Winston title.

"Baze is coming after us," Force said as his crew prepared his national record-holding Castro GTX Ford Mustang for Friday's start of the NHRA National Event at Memphis. "A month ago, we were 400 (points) ahead. Now it's just 243. That makes it exciting for the fans..."

While he always has enjoyed a good fight, Force admits that, everything being equal, he, himself, could stand just a little less excitement as he pursues a record-breaking 11th Winston Championship; an unprecedented ninth in succession.

"The end of the deal is all that matters," said the 52-year-old veteran from Yorba Linda, Calif. "I'm not going to worry about the points because it'll make you nuts and I'm already nuts."

Nevertheless, the reality of the situation is that Bazemore has cut the lead by 164 points in just four races. If he can maintain that pace (gaining 41 points per event), he still could win the championship, the accompanying $200,000 bonus and the distinction of being the last Funny Car Champion recognized by outgoing series sponsor Winston.

(next page)

Copyright 1999-2001, Drag Racing Online and Racing Net Source