NHRA: Martino aims to shake first round blues in Seattle
28 July 2000
Parsippany, New Jersey, July 27, 2000 - According to an old saying "every journey begins with a single step". It is a sentiment that CENTURY 21 Pro Stock Firebird pilot Tom Martino can identify with, as several times in the 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season, it has been the opening stanza that has acted as the stumbling block in his path to the winner's circle. With a solid campaign that has produced two semi-final appearances and a 9th place standing in the points, Martino is simultaneously excited and frustrated knowing the potential is there for so much more. Realizing that one good showing would most probably lead to prolonged success, Martino and crew head to the Pacific Northwest for this weekend's Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals determined to put all the pieces together. "We're off to our best start since 1997, but we're far from satisfied," stated Martino. "Naturally, our primary goal is to get the CENTURY 21 Firebird into the winner's circle. There were a couple of times this year I felt that we had a car capable of winning, but for one reason or another, we didn't. We simply have to do a better job of putting ourselves in a position to win, starting from the moment we arrive at the track. If we do that, the wins will take care of themselves." As the second race in the NHRA's traditional "Western Swing", preparations for this weekend's event were conducted somewhat differently from other races. For example, prior to the transporter's departure for the Winston Showdown in Bristol three weeks ago, the team had to plan in advance for the extended road trip, loading extra parts and provisions. In addition, following the Denver race, crew chief Bob Cave stayed in Colorado to service the race car while engine gurus Tom Martino and Tom Kling headed back east to continue their on-going search for horsepower, with long hours spent on the dyno. Finally, the team will use the Pro Stock contingent's annual stop in Woodburn, Oregon on the Wednesday before the race as a last minute tune up. Once again, the racetrack will play a major role in Sunday's event. Located just outside Kent, Washington Seattle International Raceway's picturesque location amongst the trees in the shadow of Mt. Rainier may remind some of last week's setting in Denver. However, as Tom Martino is quick to point out, nothing could be further from reality. "The tracks in Seattle and Denver are as different as night and day," explained Martino. "In Denver, you're battling high temperatures and a lack of horsepower because of the thin air. At Seattle International Raceway, power's not a problem, with the cooler temperatures and sea level altitude giving you all you need. The racing surface is the challenge. The starting line and the top end have completely different personalities, and you have to adjust for both. There are also some bumps in the left lane that make it crucial to have lane choice, so if you want to improve your chances for Sunday, you have to qualify in the top half. "But whether we're racing in Seattle or on the surface of the moon, we need our Century 21 Firebird to go rounds. We're in the second half of the season, and there a lot of things we want to accomplish. Our resolve is as strong as ever, and the drill is the same as it has been. Qualify in the top eight, get lane choice and keep it. We know we're capable - we just have to get it done." 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 Seattle International Raceway, where he looks to improve his quarter-final finishes from 1997 & 1998…Martino's best qualifying performance in Washington is 8th, which he accomplished in 1998 & 1999… Martino currently sits 9th in the Winston Points Standings, 14 points (less than one round of eliminations) out of 8th. Fast Facts WHAT: 13th annual Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals, the fourteenth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: July 28-30, 2000 WHERE: Seattle International Raceway, Kent, Washington SCHEDULE: Pro Stock qualifying sessions start with two rounds on Friday, July 28 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., concluding on Saturday, July 29 with another two rounds at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 30. TV: ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying highlights from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, followed on Sunday, July 30 by two hours of final eliminations coverage from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please consult your local listings) # # #