Whit Bazemore :: Ask Whit

Ask Whit

This was such a popular feature on the old site that we carried it over. The good news is because it’s been so popular, we get tons of e-mails. The bad news is, between racing and traveling, it’s hard for us to keep up! We’ll do our best to answer as many of your questions as we can. Your support and encouragement really means a lot, and I appreciate all the mail I receive from you. See you at the races!

Due to an overwhelming response and Whit's hectic travel schedule, we are temporarily suspending question submittals.

Subj: Ask Whit&/start
Date: 5/20/2003
From: lotsatorque

Hi Whit, I drove down to englshtown to watch you race last weekend, and it was the ebst racing I have ever seen! Well worth the 8 hour drive from canada!

I ntoced that a few teams were spaying something into the injector hat after the driver had finished his burnout and was ready to stage. What is this stuff, or is it top secret?

Stuart,
Montreal Canada

Whit’s Response:
Stuart, glad you could make it down to Englishtown. The blown alcohol cars do that, and I`m not sure why. When I raced alcohol we didn`t do this. I will find out why and post back. I believe they are spraying the injector butterflies to eliminate the build up of condensation, but again, I`m not sure. I`m curious now, so we`ll find out. Thanks for writing. Whit

Subj: Psy (Ask Whit)
Date:5/19/2003
From: partelroos

Hello from Estonia, N-Europe! Yes, there is dragracing here too!

Do you feel slow-motion? Do you talk to yourself with full sentences? Are your hands and legs moving on `auto-pilot` with-out thinking about it?

Thanks, and go get that mph record! not to mention points!

Partel Roos
Tallinn, Estonia, Europe

Whit’s Response:
Hey Partel, It`s great being able to communicate with people from around the world like you! To answer your question, the car does feel sometimes like it is in slow motion. It`s amazing what you can `sense`(hear, feel, and see) during a run. But the car is, of course, accelerating very quickly, so you rely a lot on your natural instinct to drive it. Even to this day, the more runs you make, the easier it becomes. Hence, a lot of old drag racers winning a lot of races. Glad you can follow our sport via the www. Whit

Subj: Ask Whit
Date:5/15/2003
From: lucas.fischer

Thanks for the time Whit. From your test session with the other car; How much differenst is Gary`s car from yours? Is it the way the car reacts?

Good Luck......Cycle On!

Lucas

Whit’s Response:
Believe it or not, Gary`s car is quite a bit different from ours. Gary likes his steering very `quick`, so I had to concentrate more on not over-correcting. Of course Zippy isn`t afraid to turn up the screws, so we went 325 mph during that test, which at the time, was the fastest that car had gone. It looked good for the future, and sure enough, Scelzi is now the fastest Funny Car Driver ever (by a long ways). The tune-ups are different, but Mike, Lee and Dan are all on the same page, and they all know what they each are doing. I`m cycling on, later, Whit

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:5/15/2003
From: tadheflick

Whit, You are doing an awsome job at driving this year and the crew is doing their part in keeping the tires sticking on the Matco Tools car. My question for you is, when you are going down the track how sensitive is the steering, doesit cause the car "float"? Also I was wondering if your team or any other teams out there have any openings for voulenteers. I would like to get involved with NHRA i'm not sure who to contact. If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks and Good Luck, Tad from Plymouth IN.

Whit’s Response:
Dear Tad, the steering is pretty sensitive, but on different runs, it can act in different ways depending on what the car is doing. If we`re on a really good track, hooked up, the steering can get light (front wheels off the ground) so it sometimes requires more input than at times when the rear tires are spinning. That is a sensation much like driving on ice, so you have to be very careful with the wheel. Other times we can drop a cylinder and the car will move violently in one direction due to a lack of down force on one side. When this happens the steering is usually heavy and you have to turn the wheel as hard as you can—even at 300 mph plus. None of the big teams have any room for volunteers, but almost all of the small ones do. You’re best bet is to start there. Work hard and keep a good attitude, and you can work your way right to the top. Thanks for writing, Whit

Subj: Congrats....
Date:6/3/2003
From: gmcnallyii

WOW! What an outstanding job you and your team did Sunday! What a bitchin' way to win a race-you just gotta love it when you holeshot somebody and pick their pocket like that. I really like Tommy Jr. but you just ripped his throat out:-) One question(or maybe just an observation) Why do some drivers INSIST on naming each and every sponsor they have EVERY time someone sticks a microphone in their face? I can see it if a driver that doesn't get interviewed much gets a few plugs in but some of the better known drivers say the same stuff over and over again. That`s why you gotta win the championship this year-no more corporate ass-monkeys-it's gettin` old! I realize that the sponsors pay the bills but hey- some of these guys are actually funny to watch as they try to spew out the names of 5 or 6 sponsors in the space of a 10 second interview! See ya in Reading-George

Whit’s Response:
Hey George, unfortunately many sponsors think there is a huge value to having their drivers include their name in a laundry list of sponsors during every interview. Personally, I’m with you. I think it`s boring and ineffective, but until fans write the marketing departments at these companies and tell them what they think, I don’t think the point will ever be made. You`d be surprised by what we drivers are told we `have` to say. Thanks!

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 6/3/2003
From: mario.vanwiechen

Mr Bazemore I wondered how a professional drag racer of your stature could not only condone but actively promote street racing. While I aknowledge that racing a Fuel Funny Car is an expensive business promoting '2Fast/2Furious' on the side of your car is an appalling statement about your support of illegal street racing. Illegal street racing was what NHRA was originally set up to eliminate. Thinking drag racers across the world spend much time and effort to keep racing at the tracks and off the streets. We engage in active letter and email campaigns when media mislabel 'street racing' as 'drag racing' to give our sport some kind of non-outlaw image. The promotional decal on your car is a 'slap in the face' to all of us. Mario Van Wiechen President - Atlantic Drag Racing Association

Whit’s Response:
Dear Mario, first of all, I too get very upset when the media refers to street racing as drag racing. Secondly, I'm paid to drive the racecar and do not seek out promotional partnerships with outside companies. Aside from these facts, I personally feel the special edition car is promoting a movie, not street racing. Movies are entertainment. This opens up the philosophical debate about art and entertainment influencing real life; do people kill themselves or others because of movies, music or video games? That's for you to decide.

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 6/3/2003
From: Mike Jackson

Whit, A quick question, on your car, on the window in front of your name, there is a number 5. What does it stand for? I noticed there are different numberson the other cars as well. I that your rank in the point standings? thanks for your time, Mike Jackson Tinley Park, IL

Whit’s Response:
Dear Mike, every driver has a permanent number given to them by NHRA. Mine is 209. When you finish in the top ten, however, you are entitled to run your finishing position as your number the following season. We were '2' during the 2002 season based on '01's result, and we are '5' this season based on last year's result. Next year, we will be…

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:6/3/2003
From: paul.spyrou

Hi Whit I am a big fan. I was just wondering how much faster could funny cars and Top Fuel cars go before the drivers pass out from the G Force. I remember a few years ago that people doubted that these cars would ever crack the 4 second barrier. I live in Sydney Australia and I am hoping to make the LasVegas meeting later this year. Paul S

Whit’s Response:
Dear Paul, I don't think passing out is an issue that will become a problem in the foreseeable future. Depending on the type of G-Force, the human body can be trained to withstand 3-5 more sustained G's than what we currently experience. A good example of this is the Blue Angels pilots who can endure 7.5 to 8 G's without a 'G suit' for a prolonged period of :20-:30 seconds.

Subj: Test
Date:03/08/2004
From: Todd

Is this working?

Whit’s Response:
Yes!

Subj: test
Date:03/08/2004
From: test

test

Whit’s Response:
test

Subj: Test
Date:03/09/2004
From: Test@knowledgelink.net

What?

Whit’s Response:
Here.

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:5/19/2003
From: hpmrne2k

Whit, Congratulations on your win at Englishtown. According to the Dragster, you are a big fan of F1 racing. Have you ever been to an F1 race? How about an Indy car race? Regards, Sharon Hand

Whit’s Response:
Hey, thanks! Englishtown was great. Yeah, in 1998, Dan Davis from Ford invited me to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. It was my first time ever seeing F1 cars in person. It was just an awesome weekend. I`ve been to several Indy car races, dating back to 1984, and they`re very cool, too. One memory I have is at Indy in 1994(I think!) when Penske`s team won, I walked into the garage uninvited and introduced myself to Rick Mears. Of course, he follows drag racing, so he made me feel welcome during their victory party, which was very cool. These days, I prefer to hang out at home when I`m not racing, and unfortunately, our schedule overlaps the US Grand Prix. Thanks for writing. Whit

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 5/28/2003
From: ba45468

Whit, I was wondering how many bodies do you and Scelzi and Cannon have for the year? And is it planned out by Don that you have so many Awesome paint schemes or Matco? And one last thing is it your opinion that Schumacher Racing has one of the biggest budgets in fuel racing? I realize you guys have 4 cars but compare it to the other Snake and Force? Thanks Whit see ya @

Whit’s Response:
We have as many bodies as we need, and I would say that our budget is at least as big as Prudhomme`s, if not Force`s. We are fortunate that Don is a very competitive guy who wants to win at almost any cost. Thanks

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 6/02/2003
From: dustinrossel11

Whit on june 1st why didnt you race your car that has the eagle on it?Whit keep up the goodwork and win the races goodluck!Dustin Rossell your fan win!

Whit’s Response:
Dustin, we have many different bodies with many different paint schemes. I don’t decide when we use what bodies. Some of our paint jobs reflect promotions with Matco Tools and diecast companies. Thanks!

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:5/25/2003
From: petersen1

Hey I was just writing to comment you on your GREAT achievements so far this year. I was wondering....what does everybody do like before a race and stuff? Do you sit around and drink beer and hope for a great day....or more like just talk? Well good luck in the season. I might see you at Brainard, Indy, Chicago, Madison Ill, Chicago 2 and I dont know maybe MORE! Well good luck and....kick Tony's ass....Please?

Whit’s Response:
Thanks for writing. To answer your question, everyone probably has different pre-race rituals. Mine is to get a good night's sleep the night before, and relax and focus during race day.

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:5/31/2003
From: Puck

Mr. Bazemore, Great to see you doing well...you've earned it. A few years ago (when you drove the Kendall car) I drew the car, had a print made of it and sent it to your address in Indiana. The address was given to me by the webmaster of your site back then. I also gave him (webmaster) a print for his help. Did you ever recieve the print? Just curious. Thanks, Lyle Brown

Whit’s Response:
Lyle, if I remember correctly, this is a ¾ rear print. We do get a lot of artwork and gifts from fans, so I hope I don't have it confused with another one. I enjoy receiving artwork from fans, so thanks!

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:5/30/2003
From: samxtwo

How do you shift a funny car otid Taylor

Whit’s Response:
Funny cars are high-gear only, so they don`t require shifting. Thanks for writing!

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 6/2/2003
From: tadheflick

Whit, Congratulations on your win in Chicago. My wife and I attended the race on sunday and we spent alot of our time watching your crew thrash to get your car ready for the next round. While we were looking your car over we noticed a pipe and what appeared to be a miniture muffler on the end of it. This unit was located under the rearend, is this some kind of breather or something else? Although we were dissipointed that we were unable to get your autograph we had a great day at the races. Thanks Tad and Carrie Heflick Plymouth IN

Whit’s Response:
The part you`re referring to is a clutch exhaust with a filter on the end. The team is great and the work they do between rounds is simply amazing. Hopefully at the next race, I can get you guys an autograph. Thanks for writing!

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 5/28/2003
From: timothyblair

DEAR WHIT, FIRST OF ALL YOU ARE THE ONLY REASON I WATCH EVERY NHRA EVENT ON ESPN , YOU ARE THE BEST. I HAVE A QUESTION THAT MYSELF AND MY FRIENDS HAVE BEEN WONDERING FOR YEARS???? WHAT IS A GOOD PAYRATE FOR TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR DRIVERS?? NOT BEING NOISY WE JUST REALLY HAVE BEEN GUESSING AT THAT FOR YEARS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER, TIMOTHY BLAIR/READING,PENNSYLVANIA

Whit’s Response:
Given the nature of contract negotiations between drivers and owners and sponsors in every corner of the sport, a `good payrate` is obviously highly debatable. If you find out, let me know! Whit

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 5/29/2003
From: timothblair

MR BAZEMORE, THIS IS MY SECOND QUESTION THIS WEEK BUT I REALLY NEED TO KNOW, IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEND SOME PHOTOS OF YOURSELF I PURCHASED FROM AUTO IMAGERY TO GET YOU TO SIGN ? CAN YOU GIVE ME THE ADDRSSS ? AND I WILL ALSO PAY WHATEVER FEE THAT IS NEEDED TO GET THEM SIGNED, YOU ARE MY FAVORITE NHRA DRIVER AND YOU ARE THE REASON I STARTED WATCHING ESPN IN THE FIRST PLACE, YOU ARE THE BEST AND I KNOW YOU WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP SOON NO ONE DESERVES IT MORE THAN YOU AND LEE, THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU AND NOT SOMEONE WHO STUDIES WHAT TO SAY IN FRONY OF THE MEDIA { RE: TONY P. AND HIS SENOIR CITIZEN BOSS } YOUR BIGGEST FAN IN PENNSYLVANIA. TIMOTHY BLAIR SR.

Whit’s Response:
Dear Timothy, you can send that stuff to Schumacher Racing: 3821 Industrial Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46254 See you at a race soon. Whit

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date: 6/02/2003
From: Viper17847

Whit, I am 16 and have had a love for drag racing for 10 years. I wanna know what you and the crew do to get hiked up before eliminations. I have seen you numourus times in Reading but have never figured out what gets the pilot lit for you to compete like you do. I have also have wondered why some drivers like Force, Pedregon and Capps think you have a cocky attitude when all it is is confidence. I look forward to seeing you in Reading and I hope your team take out the Team Force cars. Good Luck. Mike Cramsey

Whit’s Response:
Mike, they`re just jealous. Kidding! Really, as we`ve discussed in this venue before, my confidence can be misread as being `cocky`. For some reason, some competitors feel the need to `drag down` other competitors, which has always kind of confused me. As far as getting `hiked up` before competition, the most important thing is for every person on the crew to have a desire and commitment to win. Thanks!

Subj: Ask Whit
Date: 5/23/2003
From: wazzabee42231

Hey Whit I am a big fan of yours and especially of drag racing. I would love to pursue a drag racing career of my own. How and when did you get started in racing? Thanks for your time. Joey

Whit’s Response:
Dear Joey, I started by going to Frank Hawley`s school in 1985. I then worked my way up through the alcohol ranks. After working my way up through the nitro ranks, I became a professional in 1989. Thanks for your e-mail!

Subj: Ask Whit?
Date:6/2/2003
From: jdj631

hEY WHIT i GOT A QUESTION FOR YA. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DRAG RACE I MEAN GOING DOWN THAT QUATER MILE STRAIGHT AWAY AT 205 MPH, IT MUST BE AN ADRENLINE RUSH. TJ FROM IOWA.

Whit’s Response:
Tommy, Jr., you know what it's like! But thanks for the fan mail.