Indianapolis: Martino Friday notes

As the NHRA's biggest event, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals draws the large field of the year in virtually every category. Such was the case in Pro Stock, where forty-six cars will battle for one of the sixteen spots available in Monday's final eliminations. Therefore, Tom Martino and the CENTURY 21 Grand Am Racing team knew it was crucial to opening their qualifying efforts at Indianapolis with a solid run. Although Martino's 6.967-second, 197.31-mph run was enough to place the Farmingdale, NJ native 15th after the first day, he immediately started working on improving his set-up in order to solidify his position in the field.

"We've been struggling with the car since, trying to handle the first 60 feet. We're not launching as strong as we'd like, and this affects the entire run. It seems as though we are just off in several areas, which we have to fix. Our CENTURY 21 Grand Am is responding to our adjustments, doing what we want it to, but it's still missing something.

"The good part is that even with a less-than-perfect run, we were still quick enough to be among the top sixteen in a huge field. We know we're going to have to improve to stay in there, but it always feels better to see your name on the timesheet in a qualified position."

-MR