BUSY PRE SEASON SCHEDULE AT PMR

Paul Marston Racing have been in touch to give us an update on their Pre Season Progress. With Grumpys Dodge nearly ready to depart the Drag Race Engineering workshops after a very comprehensive major service along with some more refinements and improvements. Next on the list will probably see the arrival of the Insanity Vega for upgrades in just about every department, replacement engine with a bigger more powerful unit, a completely new suspension and braking system all round, rear end gear ratio change, brand new wheels all round, the list goes on and on. The Insanity Vega will probably see DRE Proprietor Gary Springford start his quest for the Pro title with this exciting little car. Gary’s own mount the Hulk Shogun, debuted only last year is still under development. Having been recently fitted with a Big Block Chevy that is finished off with just the most beautiful Crower Stack Injection system you have ever seen on a doorcar. This kind of system can be tricky to set-up, hence after discussion between Gary and Paul it was decided quite wisely to elect to open Gary’s campaign in a known racecar as opposed to an unknown quantity. When asked Gary, proprietor of Drag Race Engineering said "The Crower Injection system was entirely my idea, I’ve always wanted one, to me visually this also gave the car balance, its gonna be real fast too!! These systems can be notoriously difficult to set-up, I have no qualms in knowing I will get it right, when Paul and myself visited the States last October I spoke to Joe Hollerfeld at BLP (Bo Laws Products Inc) Joe is their Fuel Pump specialist and very kindly went out of his way to introduce me to a number of racers at the Nostalgia meet at South Georgia Motorsports Park who run the exact same system. Paul, Tony Morris and I visited the event one sunny Sunday afternoon and met Joe there. So I am confident I can make the Crower Stack System work really well, but over here in England we are in winter time, realistically I need at least two good warm testing sessions to get it how I want it. On top of that running alcohol, the chances are Easter will still be pretty cold, I just don’t know how the Crower will react to the cold, its actually not that cold in Georgia surprisingly!! I came so close to having a shot at the Pro ET title last year, you need to be nearly perfect to stand a chance, it is just such a competitive class with so many good teams. I want the confidence of knowing the car I am driving at the Easter Thunderball will do what I want, I need to start scoring points at the very first event. So instead of rushing and forcing the issue, I will start in a known quantity the Insanity Vega and enter Hulk Shogun when I am satisfied that its right. I am not starting this season with one arm tied up me back, I want the title, so I will give myself the best opportunity I can. The only thing the Insanity Vega needs is more horsepower and a little less weight, that’s my specialty, I have built a bracket bomber of a motor, it’s a combo that Paul Marston and I have been working on for a while, now is the time to test it. All the replacement lightweight parts for the suspension and braking system are off the shelf stock items and just need fitting. I am looking forward to the Easter Thunderball and Pro ET, it is truly one of, if not the toughest class in Sportsman Drag Racing today and I can’t wait!" With Paul off once again to sunnier climes, Gary who incidentally is our hero at the moment along with everyone else at Drag Race Engineering. As they have all collectively given up smoking as of 1st Jan 07, admirable idea, just a little more lively atmosphere in the workshop than usual then!! Meanwhile whilst Gary and the guys will work their magic on the Insanity Vega, Paul will be back in Florida on another parts buying trip just in time for the opening Division 2 Event at Bradenton Florida, crewing for Tony Morris and his BLP backed Super Comp Dragster and Dave Hartman of Hartbeat Racing Engines with his Super Comp Dragster. Paul Marston is also looking forward to seeing all the other drivers in Division 2, its like a home from home for him now! Despite Paul being away at a crucial time in pre season preparation one of the advantages of having a big team is there are plenty of hands to pitch in and help out when there is lots to do. All the PMR drivers, Gary, (who incidentally will be collecting his SCR Track Championship runner up Trophy in Pro this coming weekend at the awards dinner) Mick Howling, Tethys, Dave Catton and Steve Bolton are looking to build and capitalize on last seasons results, becoming more competitive. Conditions permitting testing will begin mid March in preparation for the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Paul Marston Racing would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, Drag Race Engineering, Black Box London, London Road Tyres, Chrysler UK, Chryslercard, especially Santa Pod Raceway Management and all the startline crew for all their support and belief in us, we could not do this without them. Shakespeare County Raceway for your cooperation and understanding. Eurodragster for a contribution that is an essential part of Drag Racing’s Past, Present & Future. Last but be no means least the Paul Marston Racing Family (Crew) you do so much and make all the drivers look so good, we could never thank you enough, Lizz McCarthy you are always in all of our thoughts we all wish you a full recovery. Gary Springford would like to personally thank everyone at BLP, Joe Hilerio, Tony Morris, Joe Hollafeld, Rob Beagle and the Nostalgia Drag Race teams at South Georgia Motorsports Park that were all so helpful.