TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008

Round-7 of the Battle of the Imports takes us to the Emerald City where racers in all three championship classes look to collect valueable points as the season slowly starts to wind down. Pacific Raceways plays host to Round-7 this Saturday and fans in the Pacific Northwest will witness some of the quickest and fastest sport compacts in the country.

In the Pro-FWD class, Ed Bergenholtz (Tustin, CA) looks to secure the inaugural BOTI championship piloting the 06 MAZDASPEED6. "We started the season rough experiencing different kinds of engine problems but we managed to stay composed and work through the bugs," commented Ron Bergenholtz, Bergenholtz Racing. "We hurt our motor running Marty Ladwig at the recent Sacramento event but we have everything under control and look forward to running in Seattle."

In the Pro-Import class, the battle is between Kenny Tran (Garland, TX) and Bryan Jimenez (Houston, TX) for FWD supremacy. This is a classic showdown between Scion and GM. At the recent event in Sacramento, Jimenez beat Tran on a hole-shot while Tran still posted a quicket E.T. "Anything can happen in racing," commented Kenny Tran, Kenny Tran Racing. "I remember getting Bryan on a hole-shot in Maryland so, I guess it was time for payback."

Another racer to look out for is Jake Montgomery (Nampa, ID) who has sole possession of third in the points standings. Montgomery pilot's the world's quickest DSM running on race gas and is looking for his first win this year. "It's been a real tough year breaking parts at almost all of the events," commented Montgomery. "We figured out some of the bugs and we have a good combination for Seattle and look forward to competing against both Tran and Jimenez."

The action in Pro-Stock class will definitely be exciting with the top three contenders being seperated by an average of 75-points. Points leader Norris Prayoonto (Fairfax, VA) is looking to stay ahead of Scott Kelley (Anaheim, CA) and Leslie Armedariz (Huntington Beach, CA). "It's been a good year and the Clutchmasters Honda Insight is running real well," commented Norris Prayoonto, Prayoonto Racing. "We know that Scott and Leslie are not that far back in points and at this point of the game, it's way to early to think about anything but the event at hand. We are definitely looking to running in Seattle."

Bisi Ezerioha (Hacienda Heights, CA) made his 2008 debut at the recent event in Sacramento, CA and made the other competitors in the class definitely take notice. The Torco Oils Honda Insight qualified number-three with a 9.578. "We have been working real hard the first half of the season and just waiting for series to swing back," commented Bisi Ezerioha, Bisimoto Engineering. "We are making great power and are very excited about returning to Seattle and joining the others in putting on a great show for the fans." At the Sacramento event, Ezerioha lost on a hole-shot to Prayoonto in the semi-final rounds. "It was a great battle between two very competitive teams," commented Choi.

"The weather in Seattle is always good this time of year," commented Frank Choi, Battle of the Imports. "This is a great facility that can be below sea level. Records will be broken at this event."

With only 2-rounds remaining, you can best be sure that the action will only get hotter. Round-8, a.k.a. "Game Point," is right around the corner and is slated for Woodburn Dragstrip located right outside of Portland, OR on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27.