IHRA Pre Race: Driven by his Success, Harold Martin Goes Flat
Out for Milan
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Team ACDelco
IHRA Pre-Race Fact Sheet
Harold Martin
Owner/Driver
ACDelco Pro Modified Pontiac Grand Am
Event: Second Annual IHRA Motor City Nationals, the sixth event of the 12-race,
2004 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series.
Location: Milan Dragway
Milan, Michigan
Dates: July 16-18, 2004
Driven by his Success, Harold Martin Goes Flat Out for Milan
The 2004 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing season has been one of unparalleled success for Harold Martin. In the first five races, his ACDelco Pontiac Grand Am has powered to the final round three times, culminating with Martin's first Pro Modified national event win in Edmonton two weeks ago. Entering the Motor City Nationals in Milan, MI, Martin holds a 60-point lead in the championship standings, and is determined to continue the high level of performance he has displayed so far. Therefore, the historic Edmonton victory has become a fond memory, with the Martin Motorsports crew's attention clearly on this weekend's race.
"The countless phone calls and e-mails we have gotten from our sponsors, friends and fans since winning Edmonton have been tremendous, and we're excited and elated to share this dream," said Martin. "Immediately upon our return, however, I met with my guys to review our preparation for this race, which entailed a three-page work list. Looking at it, one crewmember jokingly observed that one would think we were in trouble instead of first place.
"But that detailed list clearly demonstrates how this ACDelco crew is going to approach this race, as well as the rest of the season. We are not going to take anything for granted, and will keep working as hard as we have all year. Our focus has now shifted to Milan Dragway, and we've been hard at it, taking the race car completely apart, preparing for its racing surface and atmospheric conditions."
One of the primary challenges facing all competitors arriving in Michigan will be the racing surface. At the inaugural event one year ago, the racers battled the track throughout the weekend trying to find the right combination to master the tricky quarter-mile at Milan Dragway. Although some questions naturally remain entering this year's edition, an early visit to the track by Martin and his crew have allayed their fears.
"We're actually pretty excited about racing at Milan," stated Martin. "We tested there right before Edmonton to validate that we had fixed a problem we had encountered in Grand Bend and that we were ready for the next race, with the added benefit of getting an early read on the race track for this weekend's event.
"We were really encouraged by our results, especially considering that track was not fully prepared to a national event level. The surface was much smoother than it was last year, and I fully expect the track records to fall."
An added reason the team is looking forward to this event is Milan Dragway's proximity to the Martin Motorsports team headquarters in New Hudson. Even though a home race often includes the added pressure of performing in front of a large contingent of family members and friends in the stands, the "EFI Wizard" is not concerned, for circumstances have already prepared his talented race team to properly deal with such potential distractions, and he welcomes the added support.
"Through my ACDelco sponsorship, and their two races in Richmond and Cayuga, we've pretty much become accustomed to having a huge fan support, and the pressures inherent with it," detailed Martin. "That experience should help us this weekend, and I'm confident we'll be able to separate ourselves from the pressure of the added audience.
"However, realizing the potential for distraction there, we held a team meeting to discuss the situation. We all agreed that we are a professional team, this is our job, and it's our responsibility to stay focused and not be distracted by the over attention that we'll have, while simultaneously encouraging our family members and friends to share in our excitement."
All competitive facets aside, Martin recognized the one distinct advantage of having a race in your own backyard.
"Truly, my greatest benefit from having a home race is that I'll know all the back roads to the race track, allowing me to avoid the traffic jams," joked Martin. "When everyone else is making a left turn, I'll be sneaking out by going right."
Finally, despite having accomplished so much already, Martin and his ACDelco crew realize their work has just begun, and prepare themselves to take the next step in pursuit of the championship this weekend in Milan.
"We recognize that we have a long season ahead, and that we have to fight for every inch, starting with this weekend," said Martin. "Under the best of circumstances, we will only have three qualifying sessions, and we have to make sure we get in the show in a good position, so that we are poised to win rounds on race day. That is where our focus is, not a distant point in the future, and this entire team remains committed to accomplishing our goals."
Harold Martin Fast Facts:
Career best elapsed time: 6.190 seconds, Rockingham, NC 10/03
Career best top speed: 227.15 mph, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 7/04
Won his first IHRA Pro Modified national event on July 4, 2004 at the Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Currently leads in the Hooters Drag Racing Series Pro Modified Championship Standings
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, July 16 - Single session at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 - Two sessions at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Final Eliminations - Sunday, July 18 - First Round at 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Monday, August 16 - 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - pee Channel # # #
