IHRA Harold Martin Pre Race: For Harold Martin, Racing is
More About Relationships...
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 Canadian Nationals, the seventh event on
the 12-race, 2005 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series.
Location: Toronto Motorsports Park,
Cayuga, Ontario, Canada
Dates: July 29-31, 2005
For Harold Martin, Racing is More About Relationships, with a
"Family Reunion" planned this weekend in Cayuga
On the outside, competition in the Hooters Drag Racing Series would seem
to center around numbers and statistics, whether it involves elapsed
time, top speed, championship standings or elimination round records.
Although his competitive desire is as fierce as anyone in the pit area,
there is another aspect to which ACDelco Pro Mod pilot Harold Martin
assigns equal importance, namely the relationships one fosters
throughout the course of the year.
Starting with the special bond he has developed with his father and son
through his involvement in racing, the highly regarded Martin has worked
hard to create close ties with the fans, fellow competitors and sponsor
representatives.
"Racing is so much more than simple statistics," stated Martin.
"Certainly, we focus on the task at hand, and try our best to succeed
every time we are on the track. I am also devoted to bring whatever
innovations I can to the sport, as well as leading the way for others to
follow. However, it is the relationships we establish along the way that
provide the largest and longest lasting benefit.
"For example, at the most recent event in Milan, I had the pleasure of
having one of my mentors, Dick Aarons, show up at the race track. He
was a key figure in the Booth and Aarons organization who was one of the
premier race teams in the 60's and 70's. When I was a teenager, I did
whatever I could to work for them and get an understanding of what they
did. Therefore, it was extremely gratifying to hear him praise me for my
efforts.
"In addition, at every venue that we go to, fans continue to show an
appreciation and love for who Harold Martin Racing is, and what he
stands for, which is really wonderful. It's a rewarding feeling to have
someone walk from the opposite side of the track just to shake your hand
and congratulate you on your efforts.
"I think a lot of this is an accreditation of my dad and the type of
person he is. One of his greatest assets is his ability to get along
with people from all walks of life, and I credit him with instilling
this philosophy in me. Therefore, I decided early on in my career that
I wanted to take it to the next level and be someone who was thought of
not only as articulate, but also friendly and encouraging to others, who
might be willing to motivate others to pursue successes in the paths
they were pursuing."
This weekend, the "EFI Wizard" will have the opportunity to greet many
familiar faces, as the IHRA makes its annual visit to Toronto
Motorsports Park. With over 800 ACDelco employees and customers
expected throughout the weekend, one would easily understand if Martin
and his crew might feel some added pressure to perform. However,
bolstered by their No. 1 qualifying performance and runner-up finish
from two weeks ago, as well as the anticipation of renewing friendships
developed over the event's five-year history, they arrive in Cayuga with
great anticipation.
"As we approach this weekend's ACDelco Canadian Nationals, one of the
things that is clear to me is that the people ACDelco has on board are
really good people who are committed to selling their product," said
Martin. "I've had the opportunity to spend time with them on a
one-on-one basis on many occasions, ranging from national sales
conventions to actually visiting their sites. To that extent, they have
become friends and part of our extended family.
"Therefore, I view this event as more of a family reunion, and one that
I look forward to every year. I don't see it as a situation with added
pressure as much as an opportunity to perform at a high level in front
of some great friends. This race may be just one of twelve on the
schedule, but the people involved are an extension of what we do
throughout the year, and we welcome the chance to reward them with a win
at their race."
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
* Scored the first IHRA No. 1 qualifying position of his career on
July 16, 2005 with his 6.197-second pass at the Dukes of Hazzard Motor
City Nationals in Milan, MI.
* Reached the sixth final round of his career at the most recent
event on the Hooters Drag Racing schedule, the Dukes of Hazzard Motor
City Nationals in Milan, MI.
* Finished a career-best third in the 2004 Hooters Drag Racing
Series Pro Modified Championship Standings
* Nicknamed the "EFI Wizard" for his expertise 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, July 29 - One qualifying session at 8:00
p.m.
Saturday, July 30 - Two qualifying sessions at 3:00 &
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 - First round of eliminations starts
at 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Monday, October 3 - 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Speed
Channel
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