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6/1/02 - Marva and Houston traveled to Budds Creek, MD to race.  After helping Houston to the finals of Quick-16, they traveled to Bowie, MD visited with Marva's High School friend and neighbor, Dr. Jennifer B. Jones-Peoples, who is now a Dentist.  Dr. Jones-Peoples came to the hotel and met the team before we pulled out and took Marva and Houston to her home for a short visit.  While we were impressed that she was a dentist, Dr. Jennifer was amazed that Marva was a race car driver!  

7/4/02 - No Problem Raceway Park - Marva leads "The Taz" into the 1st Round of racing. 

8/24/02 - Marva and Houston left Baton Rouge to pick up a 1986 IROC Camaro for Marva to race!  They should be back 8/25/02 with the racecar (if they like it and the owner was truthful).  Marva has been wanting to get back on the track in her own car since they sold her Camaro late last year.  After the new car is checked out and made race ready, we should see the IROC on the track shortly.  I wouldn't be surprised to see it Friday Night at Test & Tune!

8/25/02 - They are back!  The used car dealer was not representing the car as he should have over the phone, but Houston is very sharp when it comes to evaluating used cars.  They bought another 1986 IROC Z-28 for less than half of what they were prepared to pay for the car they went to purchase!  This cars paint was not as good, didn't have good tires and the interior was rough, but who cares!  This is going to be a racecar!  The motor and body are in excellent shape, a little buffing on the paint and a new set of tires, Marva will be running down the track.  Look out for a Black 1986 IROC Z-28 Camaro in Comp. Street Class or Non-Electronics.  Marva is Back!

8/27/02 - All we need is a name for this sharp IROC Z-28 of Marva's.  The car is sharp.  The motor sounds good and after putting on some new tires, it looks and handles very nice.  Houston is about to install some lower gears in the rear to make it ready for the strip.  
 

9/28/02 - Marva's car is undergoing changes before it hits the track.  The gears have been changed from street, miles per gallon, gears to 4.56 racing gears.  The stock 305 engine has been removed and a mild 350, with Bow Tie, angle plug heads, is being installed.  This thing should fly when it hits the track.  Street Class racers, watch out for Marva!

11/10/02 - This is the plan for "2003" for Marva's Car.  Our plan for Marva is to install a 350  Chevy engine, .060 over with Dart angle plug heads and J&E forged pistons.  The transmission will be 350 turbo with 411 gears in the rear end.  We are trying to keep the car in the low 12's.  We don't want to break 11 second mark this year.  2004 is another subject!

11/28/02 - Marva and Houston represented Bracket Masters Racing Team at the Holiday Helpers annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner.  The dinner is given each year at the Baton Rouge Centroplex where thousands of people and families are given a good old fashion Thanksgiving turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  

1/29/03 - Marva's Camaro will not be a 350 as we said earlier, it will be a SBC Stroker 383.  Houston will work his magic on the new stroker motor.  The rotating assembly has been ordered, some machine shop work will be necessary to prepare the block, and assembly should start shortly.    We expect this one to run exceptionally well (fly), after incorporating all the tips and lessons learned from other teammates engine building experience.  The motor will be fed by a BG Gold Claw 850 carb.  Marva should be ready for the track in Feb. or early March this year. 

The photo at the top of the page will be featured in a newsletter at Marva's job this coming month.  She is very happy to have her racing story and photo featured.  You Go Girl!

2/6/03 - Marva's engine block and pistons are going off to the machine shop tomorrow for the preps to make it a Stroker 383 and to match each cylinder to the specific piston.  It will be coming out soon, so everyone, look out for Marva in her beautiful Black Camaro.  

2/26/03 - Marva and Houston took the car to Glen Oaks High School for a visit by Baton Rouge Mayor, Bobby Simpson.  The team is supporting the Auto Tech Program at the school and the Mayor was invited to see the excellent program.  There were 9 members present along with two team cars.  The Mayor and Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Clayton Wilcox, were impressed with the students and the support the team has given to the program. 
   

3/1/03 - Marva and Houston rolled in the Annual Maringouin Mardi Gras Parade.  The team had 9 cars entered in the parade and there was a record crowd at the parade.  This year they were well stocked with beads and candy to throw to the crowd.  

3/19/03  Marva, Houston and Skip went to Zachary High School to take part in their Career Day activities.  It went Excellent!  The kids, instructors and the school are really outstanding.   The three of us really enjoyed being there.  We addressed 6 different groups and due to time constraints, we showed a portion of the tape, "Careers at the Starting Line", to each group of classes.  We probably addressed 250 students.  By the last two sessions, some of the other teachers were bringing their students to listen to us.  Marva gave one presentation and did really well.  I think we have a new team presenter.  Each presentation lasted 37 min., including showing the two cars and starting them up for a few seconds.  The students were given a copy of the National Hot Rod Association's Youth & Education Services (YES) classroom materials.  

4/17/03 - As a part of the recruiting effort for the Auto Tech program, Mrs. Marva Hawkins spoke to the prospective students.  Her main theme was to make the young women that were thinking about taking the Auto Tech course feel right at home.  She told about her roll as Crew Chief for their race car and how much she has learned during her time working on the race car and the respect she has gained from the other drivers.  She also emphasized the importance of a good education and the need to get the basics to be able to understand what is being taught in Auto Tech.  

8/4/03 - Marva's sister, Sheila passed away and was laid to rest today.  Sheila had two girls, ages 12 and 14.  Houston and Marva have assumed responsibility for the care of Marva's two niece's.  Many team members attended the funeral and dismissal this past week.  We also sent a flower arrangement.  The team is praying for their family.

10/9/03 - Marva enjoyed the festivities at the 4th Annual Louisiana Drag Classic.  

3/7/04 - Marva's Mother passed away after a long bout with cancer.  Services for Mrs. Mary Dunn Ford will be Wed. and Thursday, Calvary B.C. in Erwinville, LA.  Our prayers are with the Hawkins and Ford families.  

3/15/04 - Many team members supported Marva and her family during the recent passing of her Mother.  Marva would like to thank all the team members and friends of the team that came to the funeral and sent cards and flowers.  

6/12/04 - Houston and Marva traveled to Shreveport with the team, but they were really on the first days of their vacation.  After leaving Shreveport, they took a relaxed trip through Mississippi and Alabama sightseeing and spending the night in Pensacola, FL.  This was the start of their week in the Sunshine State of Florida.  They spent a day with "The Mouse" at Disney World and they got all wet and wild as they spent a day at the Water Park.  Houston and Marva had so much fun, they are already planning their 2005 vacation, a cruise to Jamaica.  On the way home they stopped in Ocala, FL and spent a few hours touring Don Garlits' Drag Racing Museum.   

10/6/04 - Marva would like to dedicate these photos to the loving memory to her Mother, Mrs. Mary Dunn Ford, and to her Sister, Sheila, who passed away.  Marva would like to thank all of the team members for their support during her families time of trial.  God Bless Them and may they rest in Peace. 

April 6, 2005 - Marva drove Willie's El Camino to a quick 12.50 @ 107 MPH tonight.  After returning to the pits, Houston told her to move over, he could do much better than that!  Houston drove the El Camino to 12.40 @ 107 MPH (11.40 was editors mistake, sorry Marva), Houston did not do much better, so he got out of her way and allowed her to drive the rest of the night.  Marva will have her car back running shortly.  Houston is now working on her Camaro and should have it ready before the end of Summer. 
After the unpleasant weather in the Baton Rouge area Weds. morning, it is a real feather in the hat of No Problem Raceway Park to be ready to run that same night.  Hats off to the management of NPRP!

April 13, 2005 - Marva was back at No Problem tonight.  She got her time down to 12.40 in the 1/4 mile, equaling Houston's best time of a week ago.  She is fine tuning her driving skills for the Summer.  We expect to see a lot of Mrs. Marva at the track, in the drivers seat, soon!

May 14, 2005 - Houston and Marva attended as Marva's daughter, Ms. Ebony Latrice Gray, graduated from Scottlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge, LA.

May 17, 2005 - Marva has a new 2002 Pontiac Trans-Am.  It is a Ram-Air model and it is the last of the Firebirds.  It is beautiful, inside and out. 
 

June 19, 2005 - Marva and Houston are leaving for a cruise in the Western Caribbean today.  They will leave from New Orleans for a 7 day trip.  Bon Voyage!   

June 26, 2005 - Houston and Marva returned safely, well rested and excited!  They said they enjoyed their trip and they are looking forward to their next cruise.

July 30, 2005 - Marva and Houston took the Blackbird to the Homeowners Association Car Show at Elvin Drive BREC park.  Several other organizations were on hand to entertain the kids.

August 26, 2005 - Marva took the Blackbird out to State Capitol Dragway to tune up for her match race with Texan, Tery Red.  She had a best time of 13.64 sec @102 MPH.  She had a RT of .072.  That's darn good for a factory stock engine.  She thought her Camaro was quick, but this Firebird is awesome!  She is ready for Tery and Chandra! 

December 26, 2005 - Marva, Houston and friends, attended the BMRT Christmas Party at the Chatterbox Lounge.  Marva helped set up for the party and helped with the party planning.  She and her friends were on the dance floor all night.  Everyone had a wonderful time. 
  

June 18, 2006 - Marva drove her Firebird in the Father's Day Race at State Capitol Raceway.  She was "Right on Track" after her layoff.  She said it was "All In The Name Of Love"!

March 16, 2007 - Marva, driving a street race truck, went three rounds at State Capitol Raceway. In her final round she cut a .034 light and ran 15.91 on a 15.94 dial-in.  Marva and Houston are looking for a nice little street car to allow her to run in competition more often.  Congratulations Marva!

April 17, 2007 - Houston and Marva have purchased a 1996 Pontiac Firebird that will be Marva's racecar.  The car is already set up for Street Class and has an awesome engine.  Welcome Back Marva!

June 17, 2007 - Marva ran the Firebird at the Father's Day Race at State Capitol Raceway.  Houston worked at the Crew Chief to Marva during the day.  Marva went three rounds in Street Class and drove real good all day with good reaction times and consistent times.

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