Our team works well together because everyone has different, valuable skills and we respect each other's talents
Mike, Eric & Wayne at Norwalk Raceway Park, 1996
Eric Larson - driver, co-owner, team engineer. Eric is a mechanical engineer during the week and brings that talent to the new projects for the Grocery Getter. He built the chassis and maintains responsibility for chassis issues and rulebook compliance. His responsibilities at the track are management of the nitrous oxide system and downloading & interpreting computer data.
Mike Garblik - crew chief, co-owner, financial manager. Mike is the perfectionist behind the engines for the Grocery Getter. He is an ASE-Certified Master Technician and Master Engine Machinist. During the week, he is a Professor of Automotive Technology at Sinclair Community College and is responsible for training many of the next generation of technicians and crew chiefs. He has been a guiding force behind Sinclair's High Performance engine program; where students learn how to operate all of the modern machining equipment. He also trains them on the use of the flow bench and the engine dyno. Mike has overall responsibility for all maintenance and has the final word on all issues before the car hits the track.
Wayne Martin (deceased) - co-crew chief, co-owner, team photographer & historian. Wayne was one of the (3) founding members of the team and was Mike's "right hand man" in the shop. Wayne was an experienced body shop manager and a restoration specialist. Among his many functions, Wayne was the team historian, with a keen appreciation for the "people" aspects of traveling with a nostalgia car.
Lori Larson - tow truck driver, safety officer. Lori has the most experience pulling a trailer, owing to her horse show background. She has taught the finer points of trailer driving to the rest of the team and can be found at the track in the truck towing the Grocery Getter up to the starting line. She is solely responsible for packing the parachute and has final say on all safety issues. She also runs the merchandise and literature display in the pits.
Judy Martin - Judy has continued to travel with the team, even after Wayne's passing. She is responsible for many of the unique photos that show up on this website and is a cheerful ambassador at the t-shirt table.
Tim Fields - crew member. Tim has been helping the team for several years now. Tim helps Mike at the shop during engine swaps and general maintenance. At the track, he stays busy with between-rounds maintenance and is responsible for helping Mike line up the car at the starting line. Tim's expertise, attention to detail and strong work ethic have made him an invaluable member of the team.
Arnie "the Farmer" Beswick - consultant, hero, mentor. Arnie's talents and exploits over the years could fill books. When we reached an agreement with Arnie to re-create the Grocery Getter, we were fortunate enough to get the benefit of his vast knowledge of drag racing. Along the way, he has also introduced us to many of the "who's who" in the racing industry. Arnie's friendship and guidance has been a critical factor in bringing the Grocery Getter back to the track. Now, we are tapping into Arnie's knowledge of blown, nitro Pontiacs, as we work on re-creating the "Boss Bird" funny car.