Pr - Marty Thacker 2006 Wrap-up

2006 Season Comes to a Close for Thacker​

After 15 races in eight months, the 2006 racing season has come to a close for the Rapid Transit Racing Team. The Knoll Gas - TORCO Race Fuels Top Alcohol Dragster driven by Marty Thacker that was brand new at the beginning of the season has now been all over the country and made countless laps down the quarter mile. It has been as quick as 5.26 seconds and has traveled at speeds over 270 miles per hour. All of this is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the crew, the sponsors and all the people who take the time to put on numerous events across the country for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

The season didn’t start off quite as well as the 2005 Division 3 champions had hoped. It took a lot of work to sort out all the bugs that come with a new chassis, but eventually they got it figured out. During the 7 national events the Knoll Gas – TORCO Race Fuels backed Team attended, they were one of the top two blown cars in the field 5 times. Thacker and the team recorded a personal best 5.26 second pass and won the prestigious Jeg’s All-star event.

"What a year of ups and downs. Between winning the Jeg's All-Stars for the second time and the runner-up finishes at a couple races including the TORCO Racing Fuels Nationals, we definitely had some great outings. There were also some events that we just couldn't quite nail it. Last, and definitely least, were a couple of events when I just couldn't get anything to go right. Let's try and forget about that last group,” said Thacker.

"But you know what, whether we win or go out first round, this Rapid Transit bunch still loves to race. Every time I turn around I count my blessings to have such a talented, dedicated bunch of folks that want to help me week after week. I really need to thank Paul Thacker, Dan Fuller, Bob Wright, Larry Hunsaker, Lanny Hoke, Brian Mans, Karen Chipman, Mark Wolfe, and my wonderful kids Paige and Mitch for everything they have done."

"And we couldn’t do all of this without the support of Evan, Brian, Latrell, Linda & the rest of the fine people at Knoll Gas - TORCO Racing Fuels. They make it possible for us to live out our dreams. We also have support from our great associate sponsors Pete & Keith and their supporting cast at Atlantic Industrial. I can’t thank all these people enough for their continued support this year."

"I can't forget the fine products turned out by the folks at Spitzer Race Cars, Olsen Paint & Body, Hoosier Racing Tires, and Autometer Competition Instruments. I feel truly blessed to have so many great friends out here. I know I am already looking forward to the 2007 season!”

Quick Facts

• The Team went to three final rounds this year and earned one win at the prestigious Jeg’s All-Star event in Joliet, Illinois.
• The Team set a personal best ET of 5.26 at the TORCO Racing Fuels National event in Richmond, Virginia.
• The 2005 Division 3 Champions finished 3rd in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series points standings and currently sits in the 15th place nationally.
• The Team, based out of Robinson, Illinois, has won 5 UDRA National Championships and 2 NHRA Divisional championships.
• Four of the Rapid Transit Race Team crew members race in the NHRA Super Comp class.

Please visit the official team website www.rapidtransitracing.com.

You can access the full line of innovative products offered by our major sponsor TORCO Racing Fuels including racing gasoline, additives, and Skull Gear at www.torcoracefuels.com.

Visit the websites of our current associate and product sponsors at the following websites:

Atlantic Industrial – www.atscaf.com

Valvoline - www.valvoline.com/pages/racing

Hoosier Racing Tire – www.hoosiertire.com

Fatheadz – www.fatheadz.com

Submitted by: Shanna Snyder-Bell

Contact Person: Marty Thacker
Contact email address: mlthacker@mapllc.com