NHRA: Martino ready to make a move in Madison
23 June 2000
CENTURY 21 Racing Team looks for breakthrough win at the Sears Craftsman Nationals Parsippany, New Jersey, June 21, 2000 - This weekend's Sears Craftsman Nationals marks the midpoint of the 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season. Through the first eleven races, Tom Martino and the CENTURY 21 Pro Stock Firebird Racing team have been among the most consistent performers in this highly competitive class, qualifying for every event and posting two semi-final finishes en route to their current 10th place position in the season's points standings. Although many competitors would be satisfied with this solid effort, Martino and crew feel they could have done even better, so they come to Gateway International Raceway determined to put everything in order and deliver the breakthrough performance they have been working so hard for. "So far this season, we've had a car capable of winning at every race," stated Martino. "But each time out we've been tripped up by some little thing, whether it was in our control or not. To win an NHRA national event, you need the proper balance of skill and simple racing luck. We believe we have the skill side covered, and this weekend the CENTURY 21 Firebird Racing Team will be looking to make their own luck in Madison." One factor Martino and the rest of the Pro Stock contingent must consider this weekend is the unique scheduling of this event. Unlike any other stop on the NHRA circuit, all qualifying and elimination rounds will be held in the late afternoon or early evening. This should minimize the effect of what position a particular racer draws in the qualifying order, as the normally-aspirated "factory hot rods" should not have to worry as much about the racing surface slowing down during the heat of the day as compared to a night session. Ostensibly, conditions should be close enough that a properly tuned racecar could break into the top sixteen and qualify for Saturday's final eliminations in any of their four attempts. Although this should add a level of comfort, it also increases the pressure to make four strong runs, something Martino has already accounted and prepared for. "If the weather cooperates, Pro Stock qualifying could be more exciting than it will be all year," explained Martino. "Each session could see a new number one qualifier, with the ladder completely scrambled, so the CENTURY 21 Firebird will have to be quick right off the trailer. The setting and timing may be different, but the basic routine remains the same: qualify in the top half and guarantee lane choice for the first round, and get a strong set-up for final eliminations. "There are several reasons why this is an important race for us. First, if we win, we automatically qualify for the Winston Showdown in two weeks, which takes a lot of pressure off going into Bristol. Second, a strong performance here sends us into the second half with some great momentum." Century 21 Real Estate Corporation (www.century21.com) is the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales corporation, 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 fourth Pro Stock appearance at Gateway International Raceway, where he looks to improve his semi-final finish from a year ago…Martino's best qualifying performance in Madison is 4th, which he accomplished in 1998… Martino currently sits 10th in the Winston Points Standings. Fast Facts WHAT: 4th annual Sears Craftsman Nationals, the twelfth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: June 22 -24, 2000 WHERE: Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Illinois SCHEDULE: Pro Stock qualifying sessions start with two rounds on Thursday, June 22 at 3:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., concluding on Friday, June 23 with another two rounds at 3:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. TV: ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying highlights from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, followed by two hours of final eliminations coverage on Sunday, June 25 from 10:00 p.m. - midnight. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please consult your local listings) # # #