NHRA Pre Race: Harold Martin Aims for the Pro Mod Jackpot in Las Vegas

NHRA Pre-Race Fact Sheet
Harold Martin, Owner/Driver
ACDelco Pro Modified Pontiac Grand Am					

Event:  Fourth Annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
Location:  The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
       Las Vegas, NV
Dates:  October 28-31, 2004

Harold Martin Aims for the Pro Mod Jackpot in Las Vegas 

Harold Martin's most recent appearance in the NHRA's AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge was certainly a memorable one.  Competing at the prestigious 50th Anniversary Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the ACDelco Pontiac Grand Am pilot used career-best performances in elapsed time (6.183 seconds) and top speed (230.12 mph) to capture the No. 1 qualifying position and power to a runner-up finish.  Making Martin's accomplishments even more remarkable was the fact that this was his first start in an NHRA-sanctioned Pro Modified event.

This weekend, Martin looks to go one step further as he rejoins the series for the final event of the 2004 Pro Modified season, the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.   Their confidence bolstered by the prospects of racing in their sponsor's event, Martin and his crew have worked tirelessly to ensure they will be ready for the competition at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"Our entire Team ACDelco is pumped and excited heading into Las Vegas," said Martin.  "We want to carry the momentum forward that we established at the U.S. Nationals.  I believe we have now dialed ourselves in to the way the NHRA prepares the racing surface, and if the track at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway takes a similar setting to what we encountered in Indianapolis, we think we should have something favorable for what is a very important race.  

"It's ironic, because most racers make it a top priority to do well at the U.S. Nationals, but it is equally important to me that we have a strong showing at our sponsor's race.  Competing this weekend feels like a homecoming, because you get to spend time with your sponsors and their representatives, as well as their customers who help support the brand.  It's a great feeling to have the nucleus of your support system around you, including my fellow ACDelco teammates Kurt and Warren Johnson.  I'm really looking forward to it.

"We're going to this race with one goal in mind.  We're looking to qualify near the front and get a good starting position, and to go four rounds on race day.  Therefore, we will remove ourselves as much as possible from the many distractions of Halloween weekend in Las Vegas and focus on racing and having fun.  After all, we have our sights set on the ultimate treat - the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals winner's trophy." 

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
	*	Scored first No. 1 qualifying position of his Pro Mod career at the 2004 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, IN.
	*	Was the runner-up at the 2004 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, IN, in his first start in the NHRA' s AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge.
	*	Won his first IHRA Pro Modified national event on July 4, 2004 at the Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
	*	Finished a career-best third in the 2004 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: 
 
Friday, October 29 -  Two qualifying sessions at   3:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 30 - Two qualifying sessions at 3:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 31 -	Final eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m.