CARPENTER RESTED, TESTED AND READY FOR IHRA OUTER BANKS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 24, 2004) -- Charles Carpenter, owner/driver of the Embee Performance “World’s Fastest ’55 Chevy” is rested, tested, and ready for the April 1-2 IHRA season-opening Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio (Texas) Raceway.

“We had such a tough season last year,” Carpenter said of his participation in the tough Pro Modified class. “It came to the point that we just needed to get through it and spend some time regrouping over the off-season, but all that is over and we are looking for big things in 2005.

 “It’s not that we made that many changes over the winter, we just got a chance to catch our breath, so to speak,” Carpenter emphasized. “I think one of the biggest things we did was a lot of testing to improve our 60-foot times. It looks like we finally have turned the corner on that issue.”

Returning as crew chief on the nitrous-powered 1955 Chevrolet is Carpenter’s son Michael. He will be joined in the pits this season by former crew member Bryan Knight.

“Michael had such a steep learning curve when he assumed the duties of crew chief last season, but he rose to the challenge and has so much valuable input now,” Carpenter said.

Knight, who traveled with the team for four years during the 1990s, will prove a valuable addition to the program. He will be back in the pits for most of the IHRA season.

“Bryan is not new to national events. He will add a lot to our program in terms of both manpower and experience,” Carpenter added.

Despite his admittedly disappointing 2004, Carpenter was able to re-sign most of his team’s sponsors, including Embee Performance, Custom AutoSound, Pat Doherty Motorsports and Buddy’s Automotive Concepts.

“The team has come such a long way since San Antonio last year,” Carpenter reflected. “We have gone through the highs and the lows. It takes time for a team to gel and if you don’t give it enough time, things never seem to come together. But I am so excited for this year. Clearly our sponsors have faith in us to get the job done,” Carpenter added with a hint of determination.

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