Championship Drag Racing

Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals
Phoenix, Ariz
(Feb. 15-18)

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Tom Martino Century 21 Pontiac Pro Stocker

Reports: Pre-race

Phoenix, pre-race: Driving a racecar in competition demands one have highly developed hand-eye coordination, nerves of steel and unwavering concentration. These requirements are heightened even further in the world of NHRA Winston Drag Racing, where the difference between winning and losing is often measured by mere thousandths of a second. Covering the quarter-mile in under seven seconds at speeds exceeding 200 mph leaves no room for mental lapses.

Throughout his career, Century 21 Pro Stock Pontiac pilot Tom Martino has been acknowledged as one of the best wheelmen in the sport. A passionate competitor known for his lightning quick reaction times, he also excels at extracting the maximum from his racecar during the run. However, as he wheels his Grand Am into the staging lanes at Firebird International Raceway this weekend, it would be fully understandable if Martino's thoughts wander back to his home state of New Jersey, where his father, Sonny, will be recuperating from heart surgery that is to be performed the Thursday before the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals.

"Just before the holidays we found out that my dad would probably need surgery," explained Martino. "After putting him through a battery of tests and checking with several doctors, the decision was made to go ahead. It just so happened that they scheduled him for the Thursday before the Phoenix race. The timing worked out well in that I will be able to be him and the entire family as he goes through it."

Although arriving late in Arizona, Martino will have to be all business upon his arrival. With Firebird Raceway's concrete "launching pad" extended to 600 feet and cooler temperatures forecast, the normally-aspirated "factory hot rods" are expected to be performing at their very best. With nearly thirty racers vying for one of sixteen spots in Sunday's final eliminations, competitors must make sure to make the most of every opportunity presented. The challenge is even greater for the Martino crew, as they are still fighting a learning curve as they familiarize themselves with their new racecar. However, with the unusual circumstances providing extra motivation, the team's resolve to succeed has never been stronger.

"Naturally, my father will be in the whole team's thoughts throughout weekend," stated Martino. "But when I strap in the Century 21 Grand Am, my focus will first be on getting in the show, and then going rounds on Sunday. There's one person in New Jersey for whom a national event winner's trophy would be the perfect get well card!"