On the run with Mark Faul, driver of the Faul Racing '98 Grand Am Super Stocker and Super Comp dragster

National Dragster, Jul 25, 2003

I really enjoy racing in Super Stock. There are no electronics, fans can really identify with the cars because they're production-type cars, and the wheelstands are fun to watch. Also, I enjoy the challenge of trying to maximize the e.t. out of the limitations we have.

I've been running in Super Stock longer than in Super Comp, so I put more emphasis on my Grand Am. I think I'm better in the doorslammer than in the dragster. I'm above average without electronics - with a transbrake in Super Stock and off the footbrake in Stock - and I'm average in Super Comp. There are so many tough drivers in Super Comp; they're tough in Super Stock also, but it seems that the electronics and trying to get the car to run the Super Comp number instead of just changing the number on the window is tough. There are a lot of guys in Super Comp who are really good at it.

I've been competing in Super Stock since 1996. I began with my '51 Chevy Fleetline Deluxe in bracket categories in 1988. I then started racing for track points and track championships in 1990.

My most gratifying moment was winning my first national event, the 1997 Winternationals in Pomona, but my Super Stock win at the national event in Reading last fall is right up there.

I quit my job as a salesman for a local printing company after 15 years last May to pursue my dream of racing full time, and it has been a really enjoyable experience this last year.

I'm fortunate to race often with my dad, Gary. Racing with him is great; it's almost like having a brother instead of a dad. We're really tight. He races a '98 Firebird in Stock (C/FIA), and he runs my '66 El Camino in SS/MA. He has won two divisional races and finished second in Division 6 last year in Super Stock while I finished sixth. My dad and I have a bit of a rivalry. We've kept track over the years, and, going back to 1990, I think I'm ahead 11-9 overall.

I've had a lot of ups and downs this season. Early on, I went a few rounds at a lot of places. I made it to the quarters in Pomona and Phoenix in Super Stock, but since then my performance has fallen off a bit.

I'm going to race full time for the rest of the season. I'll do the Western swing, head east to Brainerd and Indy, then finish up in Pomona.

I'd like to finish in the top 10 nationally in Super Stock this year. My goal in Super Comp is to win something. I have been, runner-up in Super Comp a few times, so it would be nice to taste victory in the dragster as well.

I've got a lot of room to improve on the divisional level. I missed the Bakersfield (Calif.) event, and I'm going to miss the Sacramento (Calif.) race, so I don't think making the Jeg's Allstars race in Chicago this fall is a possibility. On top of that, switching from Divi-sion 6 to Division 7 hurt me in the points.

With the way in which I set up my national event schedule, I figured that I could get four divisional races in Division 7 and only three in Division 6. I also figured that extra points for indivision races would make it beneficial for me to claim Division 7 this season.

I'm considering selling the Super Comp dragster and converting the El Camino to a Stocker, although I don't know if Dad would like that plan. All the El Camino needs are nine-inch tires and a different engine and it's ready to go.

My long-term goal is to continue my dream of making a living out of racing and to try to win the national championship in Super Stock. I'll keep racing my Grand Am; I've had it since 2000, and it has been a very good car.

I'd like to thank my parents, Gary and Cynthia. I bought the car from Jeff Lane and Jerry Hancock, and they help me with the engine. Coby Wofford, who has an automotive repair shop near me, helped with parts over the winter. I also thank Turbo Technology and owner George Scott. Hollums & Bragg does my machine work. Kerry Holmgren is my transmission guy. And I can't forget Freeway Trailer Sales, Mickey Thompson Tires, Mr. Gasket/Mallory, Valvoline, Holley, Edelbrock, and Manley. ND