1997 Gila River Casino Unlimited Cup
Miss Budweiser, Villwock Top Phoenix Exhibition
PHOENIX AZ -- In his first outing as Miss Budweiser driver, Dave Villwock won the 1997 UHRA invitational exhibition in Phoenix, Ariz., in commanding style. Villwock claimed victory in the final round over Mark Evans in the PICO American Dream.
"Dave is certainly living up to our expectations," said Miss Budweiser team owner Bernie Little. "He did a great job this weekend and we hope it is a sign of what is to come for the rest of the season. We love to win!"
Villwock earned top qualifier honors on Saturday of race weekend with an approximate speed of 140 mph. The honor gave Villwock lane choice for the first round of competition.
"Phoenix is unique," said Villwock afterwards. "The course is exceptionally tight and there is a definite advantage to choosing the inside lane. We had good runs on Saturday and we were able to excercise that advantage. The double-elimination format is also quite different from the rest of our races. It changes the way we approach each round."
Villwock continued: "Our performance this weekend is a great way to start the season. We've had two successful test sessions earlier in the year and, although there are tough competitors on the UHRA circuit, we are ready for whatever they have to throw at us. We'll go back to the shop and prepare for the new race in Norfolk."
New on the UHRA schedule is the Virginia Is For Lovers Cup, May 24-26, in Norfolk, Va.
"It's been years since we have competed on the east coast so we are eager to get back to the area," said Little. "We won the President's Cup at Washington D.C. in 1975 and look forward to building upon that record."
Little's Miss Budweiser team is the most successful in the history of unlimited racing. Together they have won 103 races and 16 world championships in their 35-year history. The Miss Budweiser won an unprecedented five straight world championships between 1991-1995.
(Budweiser News Release, Monday, April 7, 1997)