ACDelco Drag Racer Harold Martin Leads IHRA

First African-American Wins Major Drag Racing Competition

DETROIT - What possibly could be sweeter than your first career International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) event victory? For Pro Modified racer Harold Martin, the answer is becoming the first African-American to claim a drag racing win in an IHRA professional category. Martin's win at the Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, cemented his leadership status in the 2004 IHRA points race, and positions him as the first African-American contender for an IHRA world championship. ACDelco sponsors Martin's Grand Am with additional support from GM Racing.

"It's a great feeling to get that first win," Martin said. "I wasn't told until after the event was finished that I was the first African-American to win an international drag racing event, so that made our first victory even more special."

Brent J. Snelson, General Director, Marketing Services, General Motors Service and Parts Operations, applauded Martin's achievement. "We congratulate Harold on this groundbreaking victory.," Snelson said. "Whatever Harold sets out to accomplish, he applies 110 percent of both his boundless passion and expertise. That he brought home his first national event win while racing under the ACDelco banner is nothing short of inspirational."

Martin brings more to motorsports than a hot shoe on the accelerator. Prior to his quarter-mile triumph in Edmonton, Martin scored another motorsport first by introducing electronic fuel ignition to Pro Modified drag racing.

A former General Motors automotive development engineer for more than 10 years, Martin holds 10 worldwide automotive patents.

When he entered the world of motorsports as a contender, Martin said that it was difficult for an unproven driver and team owner to procure the necessary equipment. So he formed Martin Motorsports. "We knew we couldn't get the engines we needed to be competitive because we were unproven, so we took it upon ourselves to build our own," he explained.

"Ever since I was a young man, I set high goals for myself," Martin said. "I always aimed to achieve tangible results whether it was developing systems for cars on the road or on the racetrack. It's pretty exciting to have played a part in these historical accomplishments. My track records may be beaten some day, but the fact that I am the first African-American to win a major drag racing event is history that can never be changed."

On his way to a permanent place in IHRA history at Edmonton's Budweiser Motorsports Park, Martin powered his Pontiac Grand Am past defending Pro Mod champion Mitch Stott in the second round with a track-record elapsed time of 6.223 seconds and a speed of 225.33 mph. In the final round showdown against No. 1 qualifier Rick DiStefano, Martin overcame severe tire shake to power himself to a 6.818 ET and a 214.18 mph win.

The win solidified Martin's position at the top of the Pro Mod Championship Points Standings. At 502 points, he holds a healthy lead over second-place Mike Janis (470), third-place Al Billes (401) and fourth-place Quain Stott (391).

Martin's lead in the Pro Mod points chase prompted Aaron Polburn, IHRA Vice President, to note: "Harold Martin's accomplishments in the IHRA and his current number one ranking in the Pro Modified division indicates he is simply one of the best drag racing drivers...period. We couldn't be more proud of him."