D1 lost two great .90 racers yesterday

[Robbie Welch]

So sorry to here this. I didn't know Steve but I spoke to Marty at every race. Thoughts and prayers to both families.

[TBR151J]

First time I ever raced a big car (my Nova) was in Pro (then Heavy) in Englishtown way back in 2000...lined up next to me first round was Marty and his orange Camaro. I'm .516 and off the number, he is .502, 2 over whomping me while smiling and giving me a quick wave at the stripe in a little "welcome to the big leagues kid" moment. Awesome guy and man that car was CLEAN!

Ran Steve Martel in the semis at Cecil County August 2002. Remember he was stone cold serious in the lanes during the coin toss. Had a great race against him I was lucky enough to win, and one round later won the race. Came up to me in the Winner's Circle, got a slap on the back and a good job...class act and a super nice guy, but man he looked tough as nails, especially to a young 20 year old!

RIP to two guys who were apart of some formidable moments of my racing career...awesome guys and great racers both.

[MR DERBY CITY]

GODSPEED, and prayers to their families.....hard to believe WE can’t even have a funeral to say our goodbyes.....

[Tom Goldman]

Hopefully ,sometime down the road when we're allowed to gather again , All the racers who knew Marty and Steve will be able to join together and remember them with a beer or two and tell all the stories that are to be told of races won or lost by them or against them .
Rest in peace my friends , and enjoy a laugh or two when the stories are told.

[Keith 944]

Very sad indeed. I can say both were Friends. Many stories for another day. Condolences to the families

[BKSG1198]

I have spoken with Marty’s daughter Tracy over the past few days, most of the 10.90 and Mid Atlantic .90 Regulars knew her because she would come to hang out with her parents when they raced at Cecil County.

She told me that when we get back to the track Her and Chris will be putting something together to honor both Marty & Joanne. I’m sure Tommy D or Chris D will make it a mission to get Marty’s car there to maybe make one last pass in his honor.

I also spoke with Joe Cambria who was one of Steve’s close friends and they pretty much tagged along to every race. He said that he will also like to do something in Steves honor and have a toast in Steve’s honor at the first race.

Of course with this quarantine, we can’t do much right now but, we will keep everyone posted as far as things go. We’ll keep you all updated!!

[SST159]

RIP Marty!
I did not know him real well however I did speak to him many times at D1 races. One of the nicest people you could meet and at the same time one of the fiercest competitors you could go up against.
He will be missed!