IHRA Pre Race (Corrected Version): Harold Martin Aims to Cement His IHRA Championship Candidacy at the President's Cup Nationals
(Note: This release has been amended to include a more accurate description of the people attending the Black Sunday event in Madison, IL. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.) Contact: Jon G. Knapp TMG Sports Marketing Phone: (704) 662-3121 jgknapp@tmgsports.net Harold Martin Aims to Cement His IHRA Championship Candidacy at the President's Cup Nationals The 12-race 2004 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing season is heading into its final three events, starting with this weekend's President's Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, MD. Although it has already been a historic year for Harold Martin and the ACDelco Grand Am Racing team, there is still work to be done as they pursue their first Pro Modified championship. With the number of opportunities dwindling, this talented crew knows that every pass down the quarter-mile is crucial, with virtually no room for error. It is an assignment that they have willingly embraced, and arrive in Maryland confident and prepared to do whatever is necessary to further their pursuit of the title. "I love the pressure," said Martin. "I appreciate the fact that there are no guarantees in this business, and that racing can be a very humbling experience. I have always been the guy who wants the ball in prime time, and clearly we have that opportunity this year with our Team ACDelco. Tmund starnge, but Iumped and excited by the journey that lies ahead."the championship lead a very humbling sport. g efforts as "This championship chase is an interesting situation. It may sound strange, but I am actually enjoying the challenge of being just two rounds out of the lead at this point of the season. We are pumped and excited by the journey that lies ahead." One of the primary challenges facing all competitors this weekend will be taming the racing surface at Maryland International Raceway. Located in the shadows of our nation's capital, this venerable facility features sea level altitude, which, combined with the cooler fall temperatures expected this weekend, could produce record performances. However, with two qualifying sessions scheduled during the evening hours on Friday and Saturday, and eliminations being run on Sunday afternoon, teams will be constantly scrambling to find the proper set-up to adapt their race cars to the conditions and extract the maximum performance. It is a situation that could favor Martin and his Team ACDelco, who throughout the year have consistently made the right tuning decisions. "If I had my druthers, we would have the track and atmospheric conditions we faced in Indianapolis for the balance of the season, because we know where we stand there," said Martin. "Unfortunately, that is not possible, so we have planned set-ups in anticipation of what the track will be like in Maryland. "We believe the conditions this weekend will favor the blown cars, which have a wider power band. As our engine program has tremendous acceleration, it will be a challenge to get that horsepower to the ground this weekend. It will be tougher for the fast, higher-horsepower nitrous cars to deal with this race track. "Therefore, it's time for us to dig deep in our notebook and race this racetrack smartly. The potential is there, given the right conditions, to set new world records, but we cannot concern ourselves with that. Our focus, however, must remain on winning rounds and contributing to our world championship. "Our first goal for this weekend is to find the set-ups for our ACDelco Grand Am that will demonstrate consistent performance on this race track. After that, we will look to secure a qualifying position in the front of the pack. Finally, we will look to take those accomplishments and find a race day combination that will give us the advantage of lane choice and the ability to go four winning rounds on Sunday. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself." Even with the pressure of the championship chase, and an already hectic pre-race schedule, Martin still found time to help those looking to follow in his footsteps. Last weekend, Martin and the ACDelco Racing team participated in the 10th annual Black Sunday event at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IL. Throughout the day, Martin spent time with many of the 15,000 spectators and race participants in attendance, assisting them with their racing efforts as well speaking to them about the importance of staying in school and pursuing their dreams. "It was a fun, grass roots experience that allowed me the opportunity to share first-hand many examples of what Real Car Guys do," said Martin. "I was able to spend time with numerous racers and assist them with their race programs. I enjoyed fostering their talent, and derived the greatest pleasure from observing many of them run career bests, with one of them winning the event. "Additionally, I truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet the fans and personalize hero cards and posters. At the end of an exhausting day I was proud to have touched lives and hopefully engaged my successor." Harold Martin Fast Facts: * Career best elapsed time: 6.183 seconds, Indianapolis, IN 9/04 * Career best top speed: 230.13 mph, Indianapolis, IN, 9/04 * Won his first IHRA Pro Modified national event on July 4, 2004 at the Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada * Is currently second 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 * Tmund starnge, but Iumped and excited by the journey that lies ahead."the championship lead a very humbling sport. g efforts as Scored first No. 1 qualifying position of his Pro Mod career at the 2004 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, IN. * 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 Tmund starnge, but Iumped and excited by the journey that lies ahead."the championship lead a very humbling sport. g efforts as Event Schedule: Qualifying - Friday, September 24 - A single session at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 25 - Two qualifying sessions at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. Eliminations - Sunday, September 26 - First round starts at 11:00 a.m. TV Schedule: Saturday, November 20 - 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Speed Channel # # #