NHRA News: CSK extension creates further motivation for Team Worsham (12/18/2003)

CSK extension creates further motivation for Team Worsham

Contributed by Bob Wilber
12/18/2003

"We all share a feeling that 2004 could be a very big year for everyone involved here."
– Del Worsham

Del Worsham has never lacked for motivation. The popular driver of the Checker, Schuck's, Kragen "red team" Funny Car has also rarely been short of energy, dedication, or long-term vision, as he has built his racing program from a low-buck underdog group into a premier championship contender over the past seven years.

Worsham acknowledges, however, that every now and then he feels a big-time spike in his already sky-high motivation levels, as he did this week with the signing of a new multi-year sponsorship extension from longtime sponsor Checker, Schuck's, Kragen Auto Parts.

Seven full seasons ago, when Worsham, his father Chuck, and a small band of crew members signed their first contract with CSK, there was no getting around their perceived place in the sport. Playing the underdog role to their advantage, the team quietly built their program, expanded their sponsorship base, and learned how to win, while doing most of that off the radar screen, which has long been dominated by the John Force Racing championship empire.

Dues have been paid
In the past three years, now fully on that same radar screen, Worsham and Team CSK have clearly vaulted into the rarified atmosphere reserved for true contenders and, with his new contract extension in hand, Worsham is looking forward to 2004 with so much excitement he resembles a 6-year-old on Christmas Eve.

Worsham collected three wins in five final-round apperances in 2003, ranking him fourth overall.
www.RacersEdgePhotography.com

"Being rewarded with a new contract extension from Checker, Schuck's, Kragen was not only an honor, it was another big piece in this puzzle we're working on," Worsham said. "We went from barely being a top 10 team to being a solid top three or four team in just a couple of years after we first signed with CSK prior to the 1997 season. It's obvious, though, that going from third or fourth to the top is a lot harder than going from 10th to third. These last few positions are incredibly hard to conquer.

"When we met with CSK at the conclusion of this season the best part of the discussion was how quickly I realized we're all on the same page and that our goals are the same for this program. It was just as important to them to get this extension done as it was for us. I think we all share a feeling that 2004 could be a very big year for everyone involved here."

Worsham doesn't know, and won't predict, if the stars appear to be lining up for his Team CSK group in 2004, but he will divulge that his group has never entered a season with their own expectation level this high.

"A lot of the hard work we've put into this thing for so many years finally feels like it's paying off," Worsham said. "It feels like we've crossed a few thresholds. You have to learn how to win, how to limit your mistakes, and finally how to maximize so many aspects of your operation to get to this level. There's absolutely a different feeling in the shop this winter. They guys have a different look, and although we don't talk about it much, we all think about it.

"Besides the feeling in the shop there are a lot of tangible reasons why we are expecting so much from ourselves. Our blue team is really hitting its stride, and the final few races of 2003 were key for us. When the blue car is running well, both cars get better. What you don't want is one car carrying the load, because then they both slow down. When both cars run well, both cars just keep getting better, and the chemistry between Marc Denner, Chris Cunningham, and Phil Burkart just seemed to work from the first day they were together. That chemistry rubbed off on the whole team and we learned so much in the last few races it was like turning a page and moving on to the next big chapter."

Final step is a big one
That next big chapter is the 2004 NHRA POWERade season, and Team CSK will enter the campaign with its sights set on the big prize. Worsham knows contending for the POWERade championship will be a challenge like none other his team has faced, but he isn't afraid of what lies ahead.

Worsham has his eyes firmly
set on the ultimate goal in 2004.
www.DelWorsham.com

"I don't have a crystal ball and I know there are so many pitfalls along the way but I wouldn't count us out," he said. "It's a long season and we'll be battling it out with a number of teams who have enormous resources but they won't be able to outwork us. The competition will be fierce, probably tougher than ever, but I honestly believe we're in the best position we've ever been in. We plan on being in contention for it. That's our plan."

CSK Auto's Jim Schoenberger, who just recently rejoined the company as Vice President of Marketing after having spent nearly eight years away from CSK, was quick to understand the company's affiliation with the Worsham team, as well as it's involvement with NHRA.

"My mission is to optimize the value of our company's marketing programs, especially in terms of creating and maintaining an effective message to our customers," Schoenberger said. "Our NHRA/Worsham program has been a terrific method for building customer and employee loyalty and we plan to take that even further in the future.

"There's also no doubt that we have been very fortunate to work with this particular team over the past seven years. Del and Chuck Worsham, Phil Burkart, and every member of the organization have been great to work with and are very dedicated to making this partnership work for everyone. What they've accomplished on the track and what they've done for our business is remarkable."

CSK a great fit for Worsham, NHRA
Completing a "trifecta" of sorts, CSK has recently inked deals to continue not only its Worsham Racing program, but also its sponsorship of the Checker, Schuck's, Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, as well as its position as "Official Auto Parts Retailer" of NHRA. Worsham was appreciative of all three deals.

CSK's two-prong approach to Funny Car racing
includes the "Blue" car of Phil Burkart Jr.

"Beyond the fact that we're the fortunate team that gets to work with such a proactive sponsor, it's very rewarding to see how much value they place on being involved with NHRA POWERade Drag Racing," Worsham said. "Our sport is growing, developing, and really evolving right in front of our eyes, but one thing that has never changed is the loyalty and awareness of our millions of fans. They make it work, and Checker, Schuck's, Kragen recognizes that."

Without a crystal ball, and fully aware that the Funny Car competition level may be at an all-time high in 2004, Del Worsham simply believes in what he feels, what he sees, and what he knows. He plans to be there, with his hard working two-car team, grinding it out for the POWERade Championship.

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