HERITAGE
Herzhauser Racing is a Nitro Funny Car Drag Racing Team based on the East Coast. Established in 2013, the team is based in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.
Team owner Mark Herzhauser developed a passion for anything fast and mechanical at an early age. As a five year old, he and his brother Brian would wear winter hats and gloves as helmets and driving gloves and run in a straight line through the house, racing for the U.S. Nationals championship!
Mark fulfilled his competitive spirit by participating in local BMX and motocross races; and, in high school and college he played lacrosse. But it was when Mark got his driver’s license and took a road trip to the NHRA Sumernationals that he discovered his true passion — Nitro Drag Racing. And, although he never missed a race when the NHRA stopped in Englishtown, NJ, or Reading, PA, but deep down he wanted to do more.
Mark worked in New York City on September 11, 2001 and the emotional impact of that day made him realize he should pursue his dream, so he signed up for a drag racing school.
After completing the school, he worked on several drag racing teams from 2003-2012 including the Lagana Family Racing team. During that time period, Mark met Sal Inguanti and Pete Tucci where life-long friendships were born. The time he spent with racers and at the race track was invaluable and helped him understand the commitment, hard work, and dedication it takes to own a nitro funny car team.
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey shore near Mark’s home. The storm served as a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and he made the decision to go all in and start his own team — Herzhauser Racing was born.
Mark identifies with the NHRA fan because he’s a decades-long fan himself. He finds inspiration in others who believe in fulfilling one’s dreams. If you ask Mark if he ever thought he could achieve his dream of being a professional drag racing team owner, he’ll tell you – “every single day.”