ParkerTech Racing Services Dodge Charger NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car
Nov 11, 2008
Author: Charlie Henry

California, Here They Come

Martin and the Parkers are seeking some warm California sun in the Winner's Circle

Milford, Michigan - The Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals will host Frank Parker's Lane Automotive/CAP Dodge Charger Top Alcohol Funny Car November 13-16. This will be the first time at Pomona and the west coast for the team. "I've been to Pomona, with other teams," said Parker, "but not with my team and car. This seemed like the right time to go."

It certainly is the right time. Parker and driver Bobby Martin each just wrapped up their individual career-best season. They clinched the Division 3 TAFC championship, over fierce competition, won the Spitzer Low Qualifier Cup, are leading the 2009 Jeg's Allstars points and stand eighth in national NHRA points. Martin is a veteran TAFC owner/driver with a consistent record. Articles about him often asked, "What could Martin do in a good car and without worrying about doing all the work himself?" Martin answered with his first-ever national #1 qualifying spot and win, along with the 2008 division championship.

When Martin signed to drive Parker's car, his long-time sponsor, Chrysler's College Automotive Program (CAP), came with him. Joining the Lane Automotive/CAP team, at the Pomona race, will be Cerritos College, the CAP's top college among 35 participating nationwide. The college helped make the team's trip west possible. Martin and the Lane Automotive/CAP funny car are to be featured, with Cerritos College, at a career day prior to the race. Martin will conduct his usual presentation of the College Automotive Program.

"I've always enjoyed teaching," Martin explained. "Bringing the race car to schools has been routine for many years. It draws students who might otherwise not attend and, quite often, it inspires them to enter the program. We have program graduates crewing for us right now. To a man, they credit the CAP for providing the knowledge to work on a complex race car."

Frank Parker and his family have been impressed by the quality of their work. "Bobby brought the guys in and we explained what was needed to prep and race the car. Each selected a task that best suited him and we were off to the races." Dan Parker, Frank's father, feels the same. "I've had crews on my cars that had to be showed everything. Twice. These guys can make any crew chief look great."

The team has spent weeks preparing for Pomona. While winning is foremost, having a good time at the races is a close second. With California-based racing friends at or in the race, the Lane Automotive/CAP team will have lots of help winning and having a good time. This best-season-ever is expected to conclude in the Pomona's Winners Circle.

For race information, tickets and track directions, visit www.autoclubracewaypomona.com or call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or 213-480-3232

CAP is a paid two-year automotive training program designed to prepare incoming dealership technicians. The curriculum is structured by DaimlerChrysler and Cerritos College and leads to an Associate Degree. The total program lasts about two years with approximately half of the time spent at Cerritos College and the other half working at a sponsoring dealership.
For more information, visit: http://cms.cerritos.edu/ or www.cap.daimlerchrysler.com

Lane Automotive specializes in distributing accessory and performance parts world wide. The latest and best parts are stocked in their Watervliet, Michigan complex. The facility is specially designed, computerized and automated to quickly process customer orders. Motorsports enthusiasts - racer, hot rodder, truck and off-road, sport compact, street machine and more - will find what they need or want. Visit Lane Automotive, Motor State Distributing, Allstar Performance, Lane Collectables, Exact Detail and the Lane Showroom at http://www.laneautomotive.com/Index.php.