NHRA: Martino & Kling work long hours to keep engine program running
26 April 2000
Parsippany, New Jersey, April 25, 2000 - The 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season marks the third year that Tom Martino's racecars have been powered by engines of his own construction. In that short period, the Martino Racing entry has logged some impressive statistics, including one national event win in five final round appearances. In addition, a Martino/Kling DRCE V-8 carried two Pro Stock drivers (Martino and V. Gaines) into the prestigious Speed-Pro 200-mph Club, with Martino's 200.75-mph run being the fastest qualifying effort among the sixteen members. Finally, at this year's season's opener in Pomona, Martino horsepower was able to snap Warren Johnson's two-year streak as the CENTURY 21 Pro Stock Firebird claimed the top speed of the meet at 200.17 mph. Despite these results, Martino is looking for even more heading into this weekend's Moto1.net NHRA Nationals in Richmond, Virginia. "Tom Kling and I knew that undertaking our own engine program would take tremendous amount of work," explained Martino. "But we felt it was step we had to take in order to reach the next level. At the moment, although I'd give us an A plus for effort, realistically, I'd grade our results at a B plus. After taking some big strides towards the end of last year, over the last three of four months we seem to have been at somewhat of a standstill. But don't worry, this CENTURY 21 Racing Team is ready to throw everything but the kitchen sink at it to find more power." The Martino arsenal consists of seven powerplants, six of which are carried to each race on the CENTURY 21 transporter. Each engine is categorized by the amount of power produced, with four currently rated as near-equals at the top. As the search for additional horsepower is never-ending, time is allotted for research and development as part of the normal care and maintenance performed on each unit, with the upper-echelon quartet receiving the most attention. Naturally the level of upkeep depends on the time in service. For example, although a motor is totally rebuilt after four races, with new pistons and rods installed, this same unit will be disassembled, inspected and "refreshed" after two events, with parts replaced as necessary. Finally, should the schedule allow, the primary engines will spend time every week on the dynamometer at Jesel Valvetrain Innovation. "I would have to say we come close to over-dynoing our motors searching for additional power," detailed Martino. "Of course, our first goal is to ensure that everything has gone back together correctly after we've worked on it, and to verify its power level. After that, we look for more. We'll swap out camshafts, rocker arms, manifolds, carburetors - anything we think will create horsepower. Once we're finished, they're ready to plug in to the CENTURY 21 Firebird and go racing." This week, the schedule finds the Martino team heading to Virginia Motorsports Park. Although the team has already tasted success at this facility with their runner-up finish in 1998, they know the combination of a reworked racing surface and increased level of competition will make their assignment that much harder. However, as with any challenge, they are ready to tackle it head on. "Although Richmond seems to be a track that can handle horsepower," said Martino, "the conditions in the middle put a real premium on handling. Although that may have changed with the work they've done on it, we need to do a better job of getting the power to ground. So far this year, we've been among the top five in speed, but closer to the middle of the pack in elapsed time. Once we find the set-up to take advantage of all the power we're making, this CENTURY 21 Firebird will be a threat to win every time out, and this weekend is as good a place as any to start." CENTURY 21 Real Estate Corporation (www.century21.com) is the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21Ò System. The System is comprised of more than 6,300 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in more than 28 countries and territories worldwide. CENTURY 21 Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD) and is part of the move.com family of relocation, real estate and home-related service companies. MARTINO MOMENTS: This will be Tom Martino's fifth visit to Virginia Motorsports Park, where he looks to improve upon his runner-up performance from 1998… Martino currently sits 10th in the Winston Points Standings…Martino remains one of four Pro Stock drivers to have made an official run over 200 mph this season (the others are Warren & Kurt Johnson and Ron Krisher) Fast Facts WHAT: 6th annual Moto1.net NHRA Nationals presented by Chevrolet, the sixth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: April 27-30, 2000 WHERE: Virginia Motorsports Park, Dinwiddie, Virginia SCHEDULE: Pro Stock qualifying sessions start with two rounds on Friday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., concluding on Saturday, April 20 with another two rounds at 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 30. TV: TNN will air ninety minutes of final eliminations coverage on Sunday, April 30 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. (Times given are Eastern and Pacific. As always, please consult your local listings)