D1 lost two great .90 racers yesterday

[BKSG1198]

It is my sad duty to report the Northeast and D1 lost two great .90 Racer yesterday.

Martin “Marty” Ganjoin passed away at his house from natural causes on Saturday evening. Marty was a staple at Englishtown Raceway Park in the early years bracket racing before moving up to 10.90 racing. Even with a small tire car and only going 135mph+ Marty won numerous D1 Championships and the 2017 Mid Atlantic .90 Super Street Championship as well as being a Jegs All Star. Marty’s number #1 fan and wife Joanne Ganjoin passed away in January from Pancreatic Cancer. Please keep their two children Chris & Tracy in your through and prayers.

While still coming to terms with that news I received a text that D1 Super Comp & Engine Builder Steve “Hammer” Martel passed away Sunday Morning while cutting wood. Steve was a multi time winner in D1 and the 2014 NHRA Keystone Nationals winner in the 8.90 category. Steve also ran a well known engine shop and did a Multitude of engines for drag racers in D1 as well as Oval Track racers. Please keep Steve family and friends in your thoughts today.

I believe Johnny D is putting together a small tribute for them in which should be out shortly and I’m not sure when we get back to normal life if there will be a memorial service since funerals are not allowed as of right now. I will keep everyone posted as news becomes available!

Sad Day to say the least here in Division 1!

[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