Martino Gatornationals Update

RAIN POSTPONES MARTINO'S MARCH IN THE GATORNATIONALS

Gainesville, Fla., March 8, 1998 - Heavy rain and a forecast of severe weather forced the NHRA to postpone the last two days of the Mac Tools Gatornationals. The series will now resume on Friday, March 13th with the last two qualifying sessions, followed by final eliminations on Saturday. Prior to Mother Nature's intervention, however, Tom Martino and the Six Flags Racing Team made some noise of their own, posting two impressive six-second runs in Friday's time trials. This left the Six Flags Thrill Machine in a solid ninth position, with the team looking for more in the final two sessions.

"This Six Flags Racing team is extremely happy with both runs," stated Martino. "We had way too much clutch in the car, and we still were able to make two of the quicker passes of the day. Things are coming together on this Thrill Machine - we're making good power, and we're getting a handle on setting up the car. We sure didn't want to see the rain, because we're running so well. But we know we'll be just as strong next week. I'll tell you -we are definitely looking forward to getting back on Friday!"