NHRA: Martino pulls triple duty to prepare for Topeka
29 September 2000
Parsippany, N.J., September 29, 2000 - In a move reminiscent of his early
days in the Pro Stock division, Tom Martino assumed additional
responsibilities as the CENTURY 21 Firebird Racing team prepared for this
weekend's Advance Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. In the week prior to Topeka,
Martino split time as usual between his duties at Jesel Valve Train
Innovation and the demands of readying his race engines for competition.
However, when the team's transporter pulled out of the drive to head west, it
was Martino at the controls. Although, as the former owner of a trucking
company, he is as comfortable behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler as he is
racing his "factory hot rod", Martino knows it will take some adjustments by
all concerned to be competitive this weekend.
"We're going to be down a crew member for this race," explained Martino. "On
a team of our size, that has a pretty serious impact. Fortunately, every one
has done a great job of picking up the slack. We're going to have our hands
full, but this CENTURY 21 Firebird will be ready to run on Friday."
Naturally, the hard-working Martino crew will appreciate any support in
Kansas, including from the weather and/or the racetrack. Heartland Park
Topeka is acknowledged as one of the so-called "supertracks" that the NHRA
will visit before the end of the season. Featuring a racing surface capable
of handling whatever the world's fastest quarter-milers can throw at it, it
is up to the competitors to judge what the weather conditions will allow.
Although this would seem to ease the burden on those responsible for tuning
these mechanical thoroughbreds, it simply serves to raise the bar even higher.
"Over the last few years, we've learned to be ready for anything at Heartland
Park," said Martino. "If the weather cooperates, you could see some records
fall. But even if the track is fast and the conditions are favorable, you're
still under pressure because you know your competition is going to be flying,
and the room for error becomes even smaller.
"It all starts with the first qualifying session. We'll use the morning to
judge the track so we can set up our Century 21 Firebird for a good baseline
run, and just keep working on it from there. Hopefully when I climb back in
the truck to leave Topeka, there will be a trophy in there beside me. "
Despite this hectic schedule, Martino will also be taking time to check out
the new CENTURY 21 multi-media, interactive exhibit, The Jetsons Open House,
which will be open to all in attendance throughout the weekend at the Advance
Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. Those that stop by will not only catch a glimpse
of the future, they will also be offered the chance to win a brand-new
Pontiac Aztek sport recreation vehicle by completing entry forms on-site.
Century 21 Real Estate Corporation (www.century21.com) is the franchisor of
the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing
comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for
the CENTURY 21Ã’ System. The System is comprised of more than 6,300
independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in more than 28
countries and territories worldwide. CENTURY 21 Real Estate Corporation is a
subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD) and is part of the move.com
family of relocation, real estate and home-related service companies.
MARTINO MOMENTS: This will be Tom Martino's seventh Pro Stock appearance at
Heartland Park Topeka, where he looks to improve upon his semi-final finish
from 1998….Martino's best qualifying performance to date also came in 1998,
when he slotted 4th for final eliminations….One year ago, Martino qualified
14th for the Advance Auto Parts Nationals, and was edged out in the first
round.… Martino currently sits 9th in the Winston Points Standings
Fast Facts
WHAT: 12th annual Advance Auto Parts Nationals, the nineteenth event on the
23-race 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Schedule.
WHEN: September 28 -October 1, 2000
WHERE: Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kansas
SCHEDULE: Professional qualifying begins with two sessions on Friday,
September 29 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.and conclude with two rounds on
Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin
at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 17.
TV: ESPN2 will air ninety minutes of highlights and final eliminations
coverage on Sunday, September 17 from 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. (Times given are
Eastern. As always, please consult your local listings)
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