Marty Nothstein Norwalk wrap up

NHRA racers are family, not competitors

Milford, Michigan – The Texas Roadhouse Dodge Charger, and driver Marty Nothstein, ran into some unexpected challenges at the recent NHRA Division 3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. In rising to meet the challenges, the team received a great deal of attention from fellow competitors.

Nothstein opened the weekend by nipping at the heels of the “big dog,” Frank Manzo, qualifying right behind him. Manzo’s pole position came from a 5.614 pass at 260.91 miles per hour. Nothstein’s 5.656 and 254.76 mph run put him on the front porch – the only two TAFC dogs in the sixes.

Parker’s team had a win light in mind, when the first elimination round was called. Nothstein lit the win light, for real, running 5.743 and 249.49 against a faltering Rob Atchison. But the run threw out the first challenge for both driver and crew. The main parachute on the Hemi powered Charger failed to deploy properly and was drawn into the rear suspension and brake. Nothstein popped the backup chute, fighting for car control, as the main chute wrapped around the brake rotor, tore off the caliper and tossed parts through the carbon fiber body.

The team started repairs, before the car was even hooked to the tow vehicle, and damaged parts were being removed during the ride back to the pits. While Frank Parker coordinated repairs, his co-chief dad, Dan, coordinated parts. In typical NHRA fashion, racers from many different classes came to the team’s aid, providing spare parts, vital parts removed from their eliminated cars and spare hands. With all that attention, the Texas Roadhouse team was able to meet the challenge and roll a repaired Dodge Charger Top Alcohol Funny Car – albeit with a patch-work body – to the staging lanes for round two.

The round started off well, but the track threw out a final challenge. This time, it was all up to Nothstein. Midway down the track, a crosswind, blocked by the stands, bumped the Texas Roadhouse Dodge toward the center line. Nothstein fought the direction change, but his speed and the bump were too much. He had to back off and accept a 5.883, 210.64 mph loss to Dan Wilkerson.

Back in the pits, both Parkers praised Nothstein’s driving. “Both elimination runs illustrate why we wanted Marty,” said Dan. Frank added, “His great athletic ability and seemingly instinctive reactions give him an edge on the start line and a tremendous advantage in situations like the wind, today.”

Both Parkers immediately changed the subject to thanking those who pitched in to help get their car back together. Dan said, “I’ve been racing in NHRA a long time and have always felt like a member of an extended family. Well, the help we received today came from family, not competitors.” Frank emphasized that by saying, “That was the biggest pit crew I’ve ever had. We could not have gotten the car back together without their help. I personally thanked everyone I could, but there were folks helping that I didn’t even know or get to meet. To all of them, my heartfelt thanks.”

The Texas Roadhouse team still has a lot of repairs (and loaned parts to return) before their next outing at the June 7 – 10 Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Rt. 66 Nationals, in Joliet, Illinois. They see no reason to even think they won’t be ready. As of May 21, the team is still holding their number one status in Division 3 and number nine position in national TAFC points.

For ticket, race schedule and track information for the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals, call 815-727-RACE (7223) or visit www.route66raceway.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.



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