Marty Nothstein Gainesville wrap up

The Texas Roadhouse Crew Gains Experience in Gainesville
Marty Nothstein Contributes Smooth Driving

Milford, Michigan – The Texas Roadhouse Top Alcohol Funny Car rolled into Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Florida, this past weekend, for the second NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in a row. Driver Marty Nothstein earned a visit to the winner’s circle in Bradenton, Florida, the weekend before and was hoping for the start of a streak.

Finding a good engine and chassis set-up, in less-than-ideal weather, was a challenge for all the racers. Luck was a more important than usual tool in each crew chief’s kit. Frank Parker’s Texas Roadhouse team did well, with a 5.740 run at 252.1 mph – good for the third qualifying spot.

The first round of eliminations staged Nothstein and the Texas Roadhouse car against Mark Billingham. Nothstein reacted to the green light in 054/second and lit the win light 5.685 seconds later, at 252.24 mph. Billingham followed, with a .073 reaction time and a run of 245.43 mph in 5.835 seconds. Nothstein’s pass was good for lane choice in the quarter final round.

Jay Payne, who was runner-up to Nothstein at Bradenton, lined up against him for the quarter final run. As in Bradenton, Nothstein again left Payne behind, with a .037 reaction time, to Payne’s uncharacteristic .050. The Mopar Hemi powered Charger skittered along the track, looking for traction, and Nothstein did a great job extracting a 5.864 dash, at 250.48, from the situation. But luck was in the lane next to the Texas Roadhouse Dodge Charger, for Payne’s car settled into the groove and caught Nothstein. Payne went on to win the event, while the ParkerTech crew loaded their trailer.

Dan Parker, co-crew chief with son Frank, was still in good spirits. “We didn’t have any track time, over the winter, to test with Marty and get familiar with one another. So, after only two races, it’s good to see him, Frank and the crew working so well together. Marty is a smooth driver,” said Parker, “with experience and talent. That’s why we wanted him in our car.”

The Texas Roadhouse team returns to Gainesville Raceway, March 15-18, for their first national event of 2007, the 38th Annual NHRA AC Delco Gatornationals. For race information, visit www.nhra.com.

Texas Roadhouse opened in 1993 and, just 14 years later, now has more than 251 locations in 44 states. In 2006, readers of Consumer Reports named Texas Roadhouse the Top Concept in its Pub/Grill category and Forbes ranked it one of the 200 Best Small Companies. For restaurant locations, menus and more, visit Texas Roadhouse at www.texasroadhouse.com.

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