Seattle, pre-race: As the teams prepare for the 17th running of the Carquest Auto Parts Nationals there are three new factors in effect that they have never had to contend with at Pacific Raceways. Springfield, Ill. Funny Car tuner and driver, Tim Wilkerson is very aware that it is going to be a challenge tuning his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

First of all, last weekend in Denver the teams were given a new Goodyear tire to run. Learning to run on a new tire compound and determining its wear ability always takes some time. Secondly, beginning this weekend the teams have to cut down the percentage of nitromethane they use in their fuel mixture. They used to run 90% but now they have to cut it down to 85%. Less nitro in their fuel means a change in their tune-up in order to make the same power. Lastly, the Pacific Raceways is a new laser-leveled quarter-mile with a new 660-foot concrete launch pad.

"This is going to be some race," said Wilkerson. "We've got the new 85% nitro rule, a new surface and new tires; you name it, we've got it going on. It will kind of be like first round in Denver last weekend, it's like a duck shoot, wondering what to do. You know, if it were easy there would be more people doing it. Hopefully, the Levi, Ray & Shoup team will make the right move and we'll be celebrating in the winner's circle."

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