NHRA: Martino tests to build winning rhythm for Memphis
6 October 2000
Parsippany, N.J., October 6, 2000 - In many ways, an NHRA Pro Stock race car is like a bank safe. Without the proper combination, each is nothing more than a rather large paperweight. Although many possible solutions exist, only one will work, and those without this valuable information can spend many long and frustrating hours trying to unlock the door and access the riches inside. Such is the daunting task facing Tom Martino and the CENTURY 21 Racing team as they prepare for this weekend's Auto Zone Nationals. Following a disappointing showing in Topeka, the Martino crew will have precious few days in which to solve the mysteries presented by their Pro Stock Firebird. "In Topeka, we found ourselves in the unenviable position of having to make a perfect run in the good session just to make field," explained Martino. "When you're forced into a corner like that, it's extremely hard to race. We're taking advantage of the short week to learn as much as we can about this CENTURY 21 Firebird, trying to find a baseline combination that we can tune from, so we won't be in that position in Memphis." Following the completion of the Topeka event, the Martino team headed directly to Gateway International Raceway outside of St. Louis for several days of intense testing. Much like a safecracker, they will try multiple combinations trying to hit on the right set-up. However, instead of listening to the tumblers falling in a lock cylinder, they will take data from every run and analyze it carefully. In this environment, they will make as many passes as possible, exploring options without the pressure of qualifying. No area of the vehicle will be left untouched, from the engine tune-up and transmission gear ratios to shocks and suspension settings. After each attempt, critical information is downloaded from the car into the main computer on the team transporter, where special software will plot the run for analysis. The goal is to find the perfect blend of power and traction, allowing efficient use of each, which roughly translates into a fast run. Once a baseline is established, crews will then experiment with alternative set-ups, learning how to adjust their race car based on changing conditions. It is a long an arduous process, but a critical step towards race day success. "What has made a tough job even more difficult is that the target keeps shifting," stated Martino. "Set-ups that worked for us at the beginning of the year produce completely different results now. That is why we are testing this week. There are still four races left, and we want to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature, the racetrack and our CENTURY 21 Firebird is going to throw at us. We still have aspirations of winning a race, and to do that we'll need every advantage we can get." 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 Pro Stock appearance at Memphis Motorsports Park…. Martino's best qualifying performance to date in Tennessee came in 1997, when he slotted 7th for final eliminations…. One year ago, Martino qualified 13th for the Auto Zone Nationals, but fell in the first round… Martino currently sits 10th in the Winston Points Standings Fast Facts WHAT: 12th annual Auto Zone Nationals, the twentieth event on the 23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: October 5-8, 2000 WHERE: Memphis Motorsports Park, Millington, Tennessee SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with two sessions on Friday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and concludes with two rounds on Saturday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 8. TV: Speedvision will have extensive coverage of the Auto Zone Nationals, starting with ninety minutes of qualifying highlights on Saturday, October 7 from 8 - 9:30 p.m.. There will be two additional shows on Sunday, October 8, with the first providing coverage of the first round of eliminations from 5 - 6:30 p.m., followed by an additional ninety minutes of semi-final and final eliminations highlights from 9 - 10:30 p.m. (Times given are Eastern. As always, please consult your local listings)