NHRA: Martino ready to duel in Denver
14 July 2000
Parsippany, New Jersey, July 14, 2000 - Bandimere Speedway is arguably the most scenic stop on the NHRA's Winston Drag Racing circuit. Located on the side of a mountain just outside of Denver, Colorado, this modern facility offers a breathtaking view of the state capitol and the surrounding valley. Due to its unique configuration where the professional pits are located above the grandstands, Pro Stock team members have the ability to watch the competition from a fence located just a few steps from their transporter. However, this scenic splendor belies one of the most difficult racing surfaces in the sport, particularly for the normally aspirated "factory hot rods". Throughout the event, teams will battle to overcome the horsepower-robbing combination of anemically thin air and sweltering summer temperatures. As they come to the Centennial State for this weekend's Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, Tom Martino and the Century 21 Pro Stock Firebird Racing team know that the key to success lies in making the best of the situation. "We know the conditions this weekend will be unlike any others we face all season," stated Martino. "But everyone is in the same boat. Our job is the same as it is at any racetrack. We have to squeeze every ounce of performance out of the Century 21 Firebird. The only difference is that we will be using a completely different set of notes when considering what changes we need to make." Coming less than a week after the Winston Showdown in Bristol, Tennessee, teams will have precious little time to work on their racecars before the start of qualifying. One of the biggest decisions of the entire weekend will come as crews install the tune-up for their first attempt, as they will look to establish a solid baseline from which they can adjust and hopefully improve. Each subsequent pass down the Colorado quarter-mile will also be a vital source of information. A handful of racers will have gotten a slight head start in the form of pre-race test sessions. Although this is a luxury the Martino crew does not have, they remain confident in their chances for a strong showing. "The best way to prepare for Denver is to test beforehand," explained Martino. "Every year when we leave, we vow we are going to test before the next race here. Unfortunately, our schedule just hasn't allowed it. That may put us a little behind the teams that ran at Bandimere in the last month, but there's no reason we can't do well this weekend. Testing helps, but it certainly doesn't guarantee success." Finally, there is extra motivation for doing well in Denver. As the first race of the second half of the 2000 season, a solid performance here could be the start of a strong stretch run. In addition, with four grueling races in the next six weeks, the long hours ahead will seem shorter if the team is successful. Tom Martino recognizes all these factors, and is determined to take advantage of every available benefit. "The pieces are right in front of us," said Martino. "We know our engine has plenty of steam, and our Century 21 Firebird has the ability to fly. It's just up to us to put it all together. This is an important race, because if we get things started in Denver, we could be on a roll for quite a while. The way we see it, every winning streak starts with one race, and we'd like ours to start now." 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 21 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 Bandimere Speedway, where he looks to improve his quarter-final finishes from 1996 & 1997…Martino's best qualifying performance in Colorado is 8th, which he accomplished in 1996… Martino currently sits 9th in the Winston Points Standings. Fast Facts WHAT: 22nd annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, the thirteenth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: July 13 -16, 2000 WHERE: Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colorado SCHEDULE: Pro Stock qualifying sessions start with two rounds on Friday, July 14 at 3:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., concluding on Saturday, July 15 with another two rounds at 3:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 16. TV: ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying highlights from 10 p.m. - midnight on Saturday, July 15, followed by two shows on Sunday, July 16, as follows: one hour with highlights of the first round of eliminations from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and ninety minutes of final eliminations coverage from 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please consult your local listings)