Pr - Marty Thacker - Preview - Reading National

Thacker Looking for Increased Power in Reading​

Last weeks announcement by NHRA to increase the overdrive for the blown alcohol dragsters in the Top Alcohol Dragster category has the Rapid Transit Race Team ready to see what they can accomplish at the Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania this weekend. The defending Division 3 championship team is hoping this change will bring them closer to the “big” numbers they have been searching for this season.

"The PSI screwcharger will be turning at 23,185 revolutions per minute at the top of each gear with the new overdrive limitations. I've already had a long distance part in one dragster running a career best run with the new pulleys installed, so we are very excited about the possibilities. I still don’t think it's enough to make any blown car run a 5.18, but it's a step in the right direction," said driver Marty Thacker.

The Robinson, Illinois based team, sponsored by Knoll Gas – Torco Race Fuels, is currently sitting in 15th place in the overall national points standings. They are a little over 4 rounds out of the Top 10 and looking to gain ground on some of their competitors this weekend.

"We get to take our new pulleys and go to one of the better race tracks on the circuit today. Maple Grove Raceway is a great racetrack setting in the midst of the Pennsylvania Amish hills. Lots of trees and green vegetation boost the oxygen content of the air. That and the cool September air usually make for mega horsepower. Of course, it could also combine with the new blower overdrive to make big booms. Hopefully, we will be able to avoid those kinds of issues this weekend.”

Qualifying for the event will kick off on Friday at noon. The second qualifying attempt is scheduled for 4 PM that afternoon. On Saturday at 1 PM the alcohol cars will get their final attempt to qualify for the field and eliminations are scheduled to begin at 4:15 PM. Eliminations will continue on Sunday following the first pro session. To keep up with the Team’s progress please log onto 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.
• This weekend marks the 4th race for the Team in the last 5 weeks. Earlier in the month they earned a runner-up finish at the St. Louis divisional race.
• The defending Division 3 Champions currently sit in the #3 spot in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series points standings and 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