IHRA Pre Race: Despite Potential Distractions, Harold Martin's Focus Remains on Reaching ACDelco Nationals Winner's Circle

Contact: Jon G. Knapp
									TMG Sports Marketing 
									Phone: (704) 662-3121
									jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Team ACDelco
IHRA Pre-Race Fact Sheet
Harold Martin
Owner/Driver
ACDelco Pro Modified Pontiac Grand Am					

Event: Fourth Annual ACDelco Nationals, the third event of the 12-race,
 2004 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series.
Location:  Virginia Motorsports Park
       Richmond, VA
Dates:  May 27 - 30, 2004

Despite Potential Distractions, Harold Martin's Focus Remains on Reaching ACDelco Nationals Winner's Circle

The Hooters Drag Racing Series returns to action this weekend with the running of the ACDelco Nationals in Richmond, VA.  In the four weeks since the last national event, the IHRA has instituted a series of rules changes in the Pro Mod division designed to even the playing field between the nitrous and supercharged entries.

Although this latest turn in the seemingly never-ending debate would appear to favor the nitrous-assisted cars similar to his ACDelco Pontiac Grand Am, championship contender Harold Martin's preparation for this weekend's race remained unchanged, as he looks to complete the puzzle and capture his first Pro Mod national event title.

"Our chances for any race lie always within our own team," said Martin.  "We've never worried about what our competition or the IHRA is doing, preferring instead to go out and race our program.  We are going to focus on Harold Martin Racing, making sure we have good engines ready to go, that our chassis set-up is right, and to race smart.  After that, we'll let the fortunes fall where they may.

"We've just gone out and tested on Monday and felt really good about our set-up's direction.  We had suffered a setback earlier in the season because the tire program we were on was discontinued, forcing us to get on a new one without much notice, essentially taking away our set up.  Now we feel that we're back in a window, and our ACDelco Grand Am should be able to run near the front.  With a little good racing luck, we should be in really good shape."

Another factor that could play on the Martin crew at Virginia Motorsports Park is that the race is one of two on the IHRA circuit sponsored by ACDelco, whose colors Martin carries throughout the season.  With a crowd of employees and customers anticipated to be on hand to witness their every move, Martin maintains the proper perspective, looking forward to reuniting with friends and supporters, while ensuring that the team's sights remain set on success in Sunday's final eliminations.

"I'm tickled pink to participate in the races sponsored by ACDelco," stated Martin.  "Because of the relationship I share with so much of the ACDelco family, it will feel like a reunion.  I can proudly say they are friends of mine, and I appreciate their support.  I can't wait to get to VMP to see them, and feel their cheers, knowing that they are behind us.

"On the other hand, as a professional racer, my number one goal is to go out and have fun.  Although this is clearly an important race to everyone on the Martin team, we have to treat it as any other event on the schedule, focusing on doing our jobs.  We're not going out to make a heroic run, or save a special bullet for this race.  We're going to stay in our game plan, hope that we execute it, racing the race track and do well with it.  That would be the best way to show our appreciation to everyone who makes this possible."

Harold Martin Fast Facts:

	*	Career best elapsed time:  6.190 seconds, Rockingham, NC 10/03
	*	Career best top speed: 226.01 mph, San Antonio, TX, 3/04
	*	Harold finished fifth in the 2003 IHRA Championship Standings, his first career Top Five finish
	*	Nicknamed the "EFI Wizard" for his expertise in with electronic fuel injection, including the revolutionary system in his ACDelco Pro Mod Grand Am, which he designed.
	*	Former GM engineer and holder of 10 worldwide patents

Event Schedule:  
		Qualifying -     Friday, May 28 -     Single sessions at 2:00 p.m. 
				Saturday, May 29 -  Two sessions at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
            Final Eliminations - Sunday, May 30 - First Round at 11:00 a.m.

TV Schedule:  
	Saturday, June 5 - 6:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Speed Channel
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