Pr - Marty Thacker - Preview - Brainerd National

Thacker Looking for Continued Success in Brainerd​

Fresh off their runner-up finish at St. Louis last weekend, the Rapid Transit Race Team will head to Brainerd International Raceway looking for more success at the Lucas Oil Nationals. The Team which currently sits 2nd in points divisionally is hoping to move up nationally with a strong showing this weekend.

"Brainerd is always one of our favorite trips of the year. The fans there are awesome and the atmosphere is unlike anything else we see on the NHRA circuit all year. Don't get me wrong, the racing is just as intense. After the cars are put away at night, you really notice a difference. This year with several of our Torco teammates making the trip, it should be an even better time,” said Thacker.

The Team sponsored by Knoll Gas – Torco Race Fuels and Atlantic Industrial is looking forward to seeing just what their car can do on the great racing surface.

"I am also looking forward to throwing some major horsepower at the racing surface. The track there has improved the last few years, and last year we started the event too conservative. This year, I'm going up to the first session with both barrels loaded. Hopefully, they won’t backfire on me. We need to start moving up in the point standings and this weekend is the place to start. With the team and support I have, there's no excuse not to succeed."

Qualifying will begin on Friday afternoon with two shots one at 1:30 PM and the other following at 4:30 PM. They will have one more chance to qualify for the 16 car field on Saturday afternoon at 1 PM. Final eliminations will begin at 4 PM Saturday and continue on Sunday morning following the first pro session. For up to date event coverage please log onto www.dragracecentral.com.

Quick Facts

• The Team has been to two final rounds this year earning one win at the prestigious Jeg’s All-Star event earlier this year in Joliet, Illinois.
• The defending Division 3 Champions currently sit in the #2 spot in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series points standings.
• The Team will be racing at 4 events this month. Starting in St. Louis and ending at the legendary U.S. Nationals Labor Day weekend.
• 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