NHRA: Martino aims to break the bank in Bristol
1 July 2000
CENTURY 21 Racing Team focused on $50,000 payoff at the Winston Showdown Parsippany, New Jersey, June 29, 2000 - Once a year, the NHRA's professional classes gather for a very special race. Unlike the other twenty-three stops on the Winston Drag Racing schedule, there will be no discussions of points or series championships, as the events of the weekend will have no impact in those areas. Even so, the desire to win will be just as strong, the competition just a fierce. The only difference will be the motivation. For three days, drag racing's best will race at Bristol Dragway in pursuit of one thing - a big paycheck. For example, in the Pro Stock category, the winner will take home $50,000. During his rookie season in 1996, CENTURY 21 Firebird pilot Tom Martino came as close as one could without actually claiming the Winston bonus. In only his fifth event as a professional, Martino qualified 16th and defeated such Pro Stock stalwarts as Mike Edwards, Rickie Smith and all-time wins leader Bob Glidden en route to the final, where Warren Johnson just edged the New Jersey driver out. With several near misses in the races leading up to this event, Martino like his chances in Bristol. "I believe we're coming into this race in better shape than we ever have," stated Martino. "We've had a solid start to the season, and our CENTURY 21 Firebird is running well. There were a couple of times this year that we've had a car capable of winning the race, but didn't for one reason or another. We know that if we keep doing that, sooner or later we're going to break through. I don't want to sound overconfident or brash, but there's no reason why we can't win in Bristol." The Martino crew's assignment this weekend will be made slightly tougher by the unusual format of this all-star event. Under the Showdown rules, the defending Winston champion and the nine most recent winners in the Pro Stock division will receive automatic berths in Sunday's final eliminations. As the twelfth man on that list, Martino will be among those vying for one of the six remaining spots on the ladder. Therefore, while those already seeded can work on race setups, Martino and company must ensure their participation during one of four qualifying sessions. Although acknowledging the added challenge, Martino prefers to simply focus on working to achieve his goal. "Whether you're in or not, everyone has to make four passes in qualifying," explained Martino. "Naturally, since we have to race our way into the show, there will be more pressure on us. However, we will be getting just as much information as anyone that we will able to use for Sunday. Of course, I'd rather be guaranteed a spot, but I'm confident that the CENTURY 21 Firebird will have the horses to get the job done in qualifying as well as Sunday's final eliminations. The thought of taking home Winston's $50,000 is extremely attractive, and we're going to do everything we can to do so." 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 fifth Pro Stock appearance at the Winston all-star event (note: Prior to 1999, the Winston Showdown was preceded by the Winston Invitational)…. Martino's best performance at this race came in 1996, when he charged from the 16th qualifying position to the runner-up position. Fast Facts WHAT: 2nd annual Winston Showdown, the NHRA's annual all-star event. WHEN: July 7 - 9, 2000 WHERE: Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tennessee SCHEDULE: Pro Stock qualifying sessions start with two rounds on Friday, July 7 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., concluding on Saturday, July 8 with another two rounds at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 9. TV: ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying highlights from 10:00 p.m.- midnight on Saturday, July 8, followed by two hours of final eliminations coverage on Sunday, July 9 from 930 - 11:30 p.m. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please consult your local listings) # # #