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NHRA: Rain cancels Dallas qualifying - Martino slots 11th

5 November 2000

Two weeks after rain postponed the originally scheduled running of the 
O'Reilly Fall Nationals the NHRA returned to the Texas Motorplex in hopes of 
completing the event.  Unfortunately, Friday's scheduled day of qualifying 
found competitors once again glaring at the skies as a constant downpour 
pelted the area.  With the weekend's forecast calling for continued rain, and 
the season finale in Pomona less than a week away, officials were forced to 
take dramatic action, canceling qualifying for the first time in the history 
for the NHRA. The final eliminations ladder will be filled with those 
competitors occupying the top sixteen positions in the Winston Drag Racing 
season's point standings.  As such, CENTURY 21 Firebird pilot Tom Martino 
will slot 11th and face No. 6 qualifier Troy Coughlin in the first round.

"I know we can't control the weather," said Martino.  "But these conditions 
make it hard on everyone, especially the fans.  I think the NHRA had no 
option but to fill the field on points, because listening to the forecast 
that seems like our only hope of getting the race in.  This Century 21 
Firebird Racing team would certainly like to get a chance to race, because 
we're battling for a spot in the Top 10, and we can use every opportunity we 
can get.  But right now, it's out of our hands.  If Mother Nature smiles on 
us, we'll go out and give it our best shot.  If not, we'll pack up and head 
to Pomona.  All we can do now is wait and see."

Final eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, weather 
permitting.  However, should the rain continue to fall, the NHRA has 
announced that they will put an indefinite hold on all activities, and are 
prepared to wait until Monday in hopes of completing the event.  Should that 
not prove possible, the race will be officially canceled, another first in 
the series' forty-nine year existence.