NHRA: Seattle Powell interview (Top Fuel)

[Jack Durbin]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: NHRA Communications (818) 914-4761

TEEN-AGER POWELL SERIOUS ABOUT MORE VICTORIES IN TOP FUEL
KENT, Wash. -- The subtle, but significant, mental change occurred
to Cristen Powell when she rejoiced in the winner's circle after pulling
off an upset victory in Top Fuel at the Mopar Parts Nationals in May at
Englishtown, N.J.
"When I ran a Top Alcohol Dragster, I could go out there and lose
in the first round and it didn't bother me that much because we were
having so much fun," said Powell, an 18-year-old rookie. "But in Top Fuel,
when I won at Englishtown, it made me realize how much I want to win.
"I really thought I was going to win at Denver. When I went out in
the second round, I said, 'Wait a minute. What happened?' We're
confident. We know we can win."
That focused attitude could make Powell a contender for victory at
the 10th annual, $1,246,750 Northwest Nationals, Aug. 1-3 at Seattle
International Raceway. The race is the 14th event of the 22-event, $30-
million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series in 1997.
Powell, from Portland, Ore., has shown remarkable poise and
driving skill in her rookie year. She won in just her seventh event in a
6,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster, as 1 1/2 years of racing in a Top Alcohol
Dragster accelerated her learning process.
She is 12th in the NHRA Winston point standings despite competing
in just nine of the first 12 events this season. The Royal Purple Motor
Oil Dragster team will continue to race a limited schedule this year in
preparation for a full season of racing in 1998.
While the victory helped Powell gain respect from her peers, she
knows that another victory would quiet any remaining skeptics who doubt
her ability and commitment to succeed in Top Fuel.
"They can't hide the fact that we did win a race," Powell said. "I
think that a lot of people said we got lucky. Sure, there is a lot of
luck involved. I think a second win would back it up."

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