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Top Fueler Joe Amato Heads for NHRA Budweiser Classic and Winston Finals

29 October 1997


Amato will "Go for it" in the Budweiser Classic and The Winston Finals


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joe Amato and the Action, Keystone, Valvoline, Dynomax Top Fuel Dragster
head into Pomona as the top seed for the Budweiser Classic.  The plan is
simple stated Jimmy Prock, crew chief for Joe Amato, "we're just going
to go for it!"  And go for it they have.  All year long the Amato Team
has set the pace, turning in record speeds and ET times and hopes to do
the same in Pomona.  "We're happy with the improvement over last year
but would have liked to bring home a record 6th World Championship.  We
came up short early in the year having problems with the cold tracks,
getting eliminated early, and that hurt our chances. But we're going for
it in Pomona!"

Hoping to repeat his victory last year in Pomona, the team is looking to
end the season on a high note.  Winning the Bud Classic and the Winston
Finals would be a great start heading into next year.

Jimmy stated, "the key to Joe's success is to get a good start Thursday
and Friday and establish a good baseline.  We can then build from there
to get the car dialed in and be ready Saturday for the Bud Classic."
The Finals on Sunday will be a challenge, with both Gary Scelzi and Cory
McClenathan having a strong year.

The team has focused on consistency throughout the year and will not
make any major adjustments. "It has seemed to be a feast or famine year"
stated Jimmy Prock.  "The car has run real fast setting speed records
and low ET times in one round and then breaking down the next.  We have
made changes and adjustments, but sometimes have lost out to equipment
failures.  But we still have turned in a good year with four wins and
nine No.1 qualifying spots, with one more event left.  With a little
luck on our side, we can bring home the Winston Finals along with the
Bud Classic -- which would make for a great ending.


AMATO RACING
Contact: Chris Garby (973) 829-9919
	 E-mail: tsbinc@sprintmail.com