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With the postponement of the most recent stop on the eMax Drag Racing circuit due to rain two weeks ago, it has now been over a month since racers in the IHRA’s Pro Modified category have faced each other in competition. As expected, Harold Martin and his ACDelco Pontiac Racing team have used the time productively, going over their race car from nose to tail, addressing any issues that may have affected their performance as well as incorporating technology to move their program forward. Even though their preparations have included numerous test sessions at tracks in the area, the entire Martin Motorsports crew is more than ready to get back to business this weekend at the Torco Northern Nationals in Martin, MI.
“While we haven’t been in direct competition, there is certainly a lot of tire rubber in the wheel wells of our ACDelco Pontiac from all the testing we have been doing,” stated Martin. “We clearly have made progress over the last few weeks and are excited about the upcoming weekend. We believe we have an improved program, and hopefully with a little bit of racing luck, we will be able to capitalize on it.”
One factor working in the favor of both the competitors and the fans attending this weekend’s event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is the forecast, which is calling for an end to the oppressive heat wave that has engulfed the nation for most of the last month. With temperatures expected to rise only into the 80-degree range, and buoyed by the support of his many home state fans, the “EFI Wizard” is looking for a strong showing to start the second half of his 2006 season.
“I’m not sure if we’ll know how to deal with the cold wave if it happens,” joked Martin. “In all seriousness, our recent tests were conducted during this recent period of global warming, where the ambient temperature was 104 degrees and the track temperature was 145 degrees. Therefore, we will welcome the opportunity to race at a pleasant temperature level, including the added energy enjoyed by every member of the team. However, we are not going to put a lot of weight into any forecasts, preferring instead to be prepared for any and all sorts of conditions.
“U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is a great facility with a tremendous fan base that supports our ACDelco Pontiac, and we would like nothing more than to show them the competitive performance of which we are capable and pull off a victory. In our minds there would be nothing better than to have the headlines for this weekend read simply ‘Martin wins at Martin.’”
Notes on Harold Martin and the ACDelco Pontiac Racing Team entering
The IHRA Torco Northern Nationals:
Martin’s record at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park: In the last four races at the Martin quarter-mile, Harold has two starts in the top half of the field, and two quarterfinal finishes.
One Year Ago: Harold captured the 16th starting spot with a 6.367-second, 224.17 mph pass, but fell to No. 1 qualifier and eventual race runner-up Carl Spiering in the opening round
Event Schedule:
Qualifying:
Friday, August 4: One round at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5: Two rounds at 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Final Eliminations:
Sunday, August 6: First round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
Pre-race ceremonies start at 12:15 p.m.
Quarter-finals at 12:30 p.m.
Semi-finals at 2:30 p.m.
Championship round at 4:30 p.m.
Television Schedule:
Saturday, August 26: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Speed Channel)
Harold Martin is Anxious to Get Back on Track at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park
With the postponement of the most recent stop on the eMax Drag Racing circuit due to rain two weeks ago, it has now been over a month since racers in the IHRA’s Pro Modified category have faced each other in competition. As expected, Harold Martin and his ACDelco Pontiac Racing team have used the time productively, going over their race car from nose to tail, addressing any issues that may have affected their performance as well as incorporating technology to move their program forward. Even though their preparations have included numerous test sessions at tracks in the area, the entire Martin Motorsports crew is more than ready to get back to business this weekend at the Torco Northern Nationals in Martin, MI.
“While we haven’t been in direct competition, there is certainly a lot of tire rubber in the wheel wells of our ACDelco Pontiac from all the testing we have been doing,” stated Martin. “We clearly have made progress over the last few weeks and are excited about the upcoming weekend. We believe we have an improved program, and hopefully with a little bit of racing luck, we will be able to capitalize on it.”
One factor working in the favor of both the competitors and the fans attending this weekend’s event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is the forecast, which is calling for an end to the oppressive heat wave that has engulfed the nation for most of the last month. With temperatures expected to rise only into the 80-degree range, and buoyed by the support of his many home state fans, the “EFI Wizard” is looking for a strong showing to start the second half of his 2006 season.
“I’m not sure if we’ll know how to deal with the cold wave if it happens,” joked Martin. “In all seriousness, our recent tests were conducted during this recent period of global warming, where the ambient temperature was 104 degrees and the track temperature was 145 degrees. Therefore, we will welcome the opportunity to race at a pleasant temperature level, including the added energy enjoyed by every member of the team. However, we are not going to put a lot of weight into any forecasts, preferring instead to be prepared for any and all sorts of conditions.
“U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is a great facility with a tremendous fan base that supports our ACDelco Pontiac, and we would like nothing more than to show them the competitive performance of which we are capable and pull off a victory. In our minds there would be nothing better than to have the headlines for this weekend read simply ‘Martin wins at Martin.’”
Notes on Harold Martin and the ACDelco Pontiac Racing Team entering
The IHRA Torco Northern Nationals:
Martin’s record at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park: In the last four races at the Martin quarter-mile, Harold has two starts in the top half of the field, and two quarterfinal finishes.
One Year Ago: Harold captured the 16th starting spot with a 6.367-second, 224.17 mph pass, but fell to No. 1 qualifier and eventual race runner-up Carl Spiering in the opening round
Event Schedule:
Qualifying:
Friday, August 4: One round at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5: Two rounds at 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Final Eliminations:
Sunday, August 6: First round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
Pre-race ceremonies start at 12:15 p.m.
Quarter-finals at 12:30 p.m.
Semi-finals at 2:30 p.m.
Championship round at 4:30 p.m.
Television Schedule:
Saturday, August 26: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Speed Channel)
