Bobby Martin Chicago wrap up

Lane Automotive/CAP Dodge Charger in the Rt. 66 Winner’s Circle
Testing and tweaking result in a win

Milford, Michigan – Testing, tweaking and teamwork paid off for Bobby Martin and the Lane Automotive/CAP Dodge Charger of Dan and Frank Parker. The team earned a visit to the Winner’s Circle at Rt. 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois. The June 13-15 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event came just days after a good, but frustrating, weekend at the Torco Fuels NHRA Nationals – at the same track.

The good part of the Torco Fuels Nationals was Martin’s 5.640 second, 255.73 mph fifth qualifying spot in one of the hottest Top Alcohol Funny Car fields ever. Martin’s first round lap was almost a mirror image of qualifying. The 5.635 elapsed time and 253.75 speed easily put away Brian Hough’s Monte Carlo. With lane choice over Jay Payne, the crew was cranked for round two. That’s when the frustrating part raised its ugly head. Martin was right on his mark, but the Dodge Charger couldn’t match him. The win went to Payne.

“We’re disappointed with this finish, of course,” Martin said, as the crew packed up. “But Frank and Dan know why the car fell off. They’ve already refined their combination and I'm mentally refining my actions to match. We’re ready for next weekend.”

As the following weekend would prove, Martin had reason to sound confident. The Mopar Hemi-powered Dodge Charger posted a 5.619 elapsed time and 259.16 mph qualifying pass for the number two spot. This time, nothing frustrating occurred. Although slightly off their qualifying time, Martin and the car improved in every elimination run. 5.694 at 256.55 in round one. 5.651 at 256.94 in round two. And, finally, a smooth 5.630 elapsed time and 256.94 mph top end for the win.

Frank Parker’s grin, in the Winner’s Circle, was wide enough to be seen from Chicago’s Loop. “We’ve been working toward this right from the start,” he said. “The main reason we got together with Bobby was belief in each other’s capabilities. But we didn’t believe it would take this long for two set-in-their-ways racers to get synchronized. That’s done and we’re ready for the next race.”

After four races (one a rain-out), the Lane Automotive/CAP Dodge Charger is 22nd in national Top Alcohol Funny Car points and 2nd in Division Three points. With six races (the rain-out will be tacked on to a later points meet) yet to run in 2008, the team can reach their goal of a top ten finish in national points and the North Central Division Championship. Watch their progress at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 26-29. As Frank Parker said, “We’re ready!”

ParkerTech Racing is grateful for the support of Lane Automotive, All-Star Performance, Mopar, Aeroquip Hoses, Red Line Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Crane Cams, Total Flow Heads, Trick Titanium, Mr. Gasket, Valco Cincinnati, Mancini Racing, Casebolt Financial, Chrysler’s College Automotive Program (CAP), Permatex, and VP Racing Fuels. Marketing and media tasks are performed by Challenger Consulting.

- End -

Contact:
Charlie Henry
Challenger Consulting
248-477-1970
248-476-0191 fax
charlie@challengerconsultingllc.com