Sat, 8 Jul 2006, 11:05 AM Martino and Glidden Join Maskin on Skull Gear Dart Pro Stock Team

Courtesy of Rick Voegelin Tom Martino to Drive Skull Gear Dart GTO, Bob Glidden Named Crew Chief and Engine Builder

TROY, Mich. - Richard Maskin announced today that the Skull Gear Dart Pro Stock team been strengthened with the addition of Tommy Martino as driver and Bob Glidden as engine builder and crew chief. The new alliance brings together a formidable trio of Pro Stock veterans that collectively has won 13 NHRA championships and more than 140 national event titles.

"We know that Tommy is an exceptional driver, and we're excited that Bob Glidden is on board," said Maskin, founder and president of Dart Machinery. "We all have realistic expectations and know that it will take time for us to develop as a team, but we are going forward together."

Although Martino has raced infrequently in recent years, he is one of the most competitive drivers in the Pro Stock category. He advanced to the final round of the season-ending Auto Club Finals in his sole appearance in 2005, and in March he won the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals in his only appearance to date in 2006. Martino, 47, of Farmingdale, N.J., has competed in Pro Stock since 1996, scoring six Pro Stock victories in 14 final-round appearances.

"I'm thankful for this opportunity, and I'm excited about going racing again with a competitive effort like this," said Martino.

"I've known Richard for many years - in my first season in Pro Stock, we ran one of his engines," he recalled. "We've remained friends, and we talked frequently. I think with Richard's desire, Dart's resources and the ability of the people he's assembled, we can be a force in Pro Stock. It's going to take a little time, but I believe we're going to show some strength in the near future."

Glidden will oversee the Dart Pro Stock engine development program and serve as crew chief at the race track. Maskin will assume the role of business manager for Dart's racing operation, which continues with Skull Gear sponsorship.

"I've got a lot of confidence in Richard, Tommy and the guys in the Dart engine shop," said Glidden. "These are great people and they have the equipment to do the job right.

"Tommy has shown that he's capable of running a Pro Stock program," the 10-time Pro Stock champion noted. "He's a hands-on racer who ran his own program for years. If I have some ideas, I'll throw them into the mix. Everyone on the team is working toward the same goal - winning races."

Glidden foresees the reorganized team entering national event competition as quickly as possible.

"We'd like to run Denver, but we're waiting for some new parts to arrive," Glidden said. "If the equipment isn't ready, then we'll aim for Seattle. Wherever there's a race, that's where we want to be."