IHRA pre-race: Martin looks for a successful conclusion to a hectic three weeks
Richmond, Va, April 16, 2002 - If there is one common denominator that can be found throughout the world of motorsports, it is the often-used description given by a driver or team owner of how hard their crew had worked to prepare for an event. Although in each instance the statement is true, it can easily be argued that no team has had to put forth more of an effort in the last three weeks than Harold Martin and his crew as they prepared for this weekend's ACDelco Nationals in Richmond, Va. After suffering a devastating fire in qualifying for the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series' season-opening event in Rockingham, N.C., the team was faced with the formidable task of having to totally rebuild their ACDelco Pro Mod Pontiac in less than three weeks. "Drag racing is unique in that you race the same car for the entire season," detailed Martin. "Therefore, we do not have a back-up car. After the incident in Rockingham, the game plan was quite simple. In order to race in Richmond, we had to rebuild our race car." The Martin Motorsports team's assignment was complicated by several factors, actually making the task tougher than assembling a new vehicle. For example, part of the team's attention would have to remain on their transfer to a new facility currently under construction in Wixom, Mich. In addition, before any repair work could be started, the race car had to first be disassembled and thoroughly checked for damage. Every component was inspected and replaced as necessary, including the complicated network of electronic wires and hydraulic and fuel lines. Although the custom-built racer uses many production ACDelco parts that have been tuned for competition, there are also several unique systems onboard designed by Martin, such as the engine management system, requiring the accomplished engineer's special touch. The ACDelco Grand Am's distinctive bodywork also required extensive attention, with the painter challenged to recreate the exciting paint scheme that had debuted in North Carolina. Finally, the reassembly was completed, but before heading to Virginia, the team scheduled a last-minute test session to ensure everything was functioning properly. "We've certainly had our hands full during the last three weeks," explained Martin. "But with the support of our sponsors and friends, we were able to fully repair our ACDelco Pontiac. In fact, based on the performance during our pre-race test, we're confident it's going to be better than ever. "We're looking forward to sharing our new look with the fans at Virginia Motorsports Park. Naturally, the ACDelco Nationals is a very important race for us, and we want to put on a good show for everyone, including the many ACDelco employees and distributors who will be on hand, as well as everyone who uses ACDelco parts in their personal vehicles." Fast Facts WHAT: 2nd Annual ACDelco Nationals presented by Chevrolet, the second race on 2002 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series Schedule. WHEN: April 18-22, 2002 WHERE: Virginia Motorsports Park, Dinwiddie, Virginia SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with two sessions on Friday, April 19 starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by the "Friday Nitro Jam" at 7:00 p.m. Qualifying concludes with two more sessions on Saturday, April 20 at 12:00 noon and the "Night of Fire" at 7:00 p.m. Final eliminations will start at 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 21. TV: TNN will televise two shows with highlights from the ACDelco Nationals on May 11 and 18 at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time. Please check your local listings.)