NASCAR's Mark Martin
2008 Season Articles - February and March
Mark Martin Race Report - Kobalt Tools 500
Martin, U.S. Army Team Battle Through Tough Day in Atlanta
DEIHAMPTON, Ga. (March 9, 2008) -- Mark Martin and the U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt team endured a tough outing in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Martin started 10th, but was never able to get a handle on his No. 8 Chevrolet. The veteran ran as low at 30th before battling back to a 22nd-place finish, while turning some of his fastest lap times late in the race.
"That felt like the longest race of my life," said Martin. "You never want to run that way, but all you can do is hang in there and make the best out of a bad day. I really mean it when I say that I truly appreciate the effort of everyone on this U.S. Army team."
"These guys are really a pleasure to work with," added Martin. "This team is made up of a group of real racers and they want nothing more than to win each week. We had a pretty bad day out there, but they soldiered on and never gave up and never stopped coming up with suggestions to make the car better. We'll hang in there, keep working and we'll come back and get this thing right. We're like our soldiers -- we don't quit, we just fight harder to complete the mission."
Martin went a lap down to the leader on Lap 85 of 325. The team continued to work with the car's handling under a series of cautions, but with little success. Martin went two laps down on Lap 156.
Still, the team continued to work with the car, refusing to give up. Their efforts started to see some light after massive adjustments on Lap 199. Martin broke back inside the top 25 on lap 220 and was able to hold his position for the remainder of the race at the 1.54-mile track.
Martin, who is 18th in the Sprint Cup driver point standings, will hand over the U.S. Army Chevy to rookie Aric Almirola at the next two Cup races - Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on March 16 and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on March 30. He will return to action for the April 6th race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Mark Martin Media Visit - Atlanta
March 7, 2008
GM RacingMARK MARTIN, NO. 8 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS met with media and discussed driving for DEI, racing at Atlanta, giving Dale Earnhardt Jr and JR Motorsports their first win, safety at race tracks, the No. 99 Carl Edwards penalty, and more.
ON DRIVING FOR DALE EARNHARDT, INC.AND RACING A PART TIME SCHEDULE:
"The Army is supporting the scenario of me racing part time and I am doing the same schedule as last year. I am really happy with it. I couldn't possibly have a better life. Aric (Almirola) is going to be fine. This is such a great team and they are behind him 100%. I think Aric is going to have a career around there."
ON RACING AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY:
"I love this place, I think everybody does, I don't think that is unique to me. It is a great place to race. I happy to be here and can't wait to get out there.
"It is the size and the shape, the banking, the transitions - the old pavement, thank goodness. I hope they never pave it, or at least until after I completely and totally quit driving and hang up my helmet. But not before then."
ON HAVING A QUIET WEEKEND AT ATLANTA:
"I am really taking it easy this weekend, just the Cup car. I will stay in tune with Tony Gibson and the Army team here and try to get us a win on Sunday. I would be nice for us to get our first win as a team here, but it just depends on how strong we can be."
ON GIVING DALE EARNHARDT, JR. AND JR MOTORSPORTS THEIR FIRST WIN: "it was my first NASCAR win in a Chevrolet too, I am pretty sure. It really means a lot to me because Dale, Jr. has given me way respect that I deserve all through the years. I really don't know what it is. It meant a lot to me for Dale, Jr. and Rick Hendrick. I know he wanted that so badly. We were close last year with two second-place finishes. I look forward to being a part of that hopefully more than four more races, that is what we have on the schedule now. Hopefully I can continue to be a part of something that huge for years to come."
ON WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE REGARDING SAFETY AT RACE TRACKS INCLUDING SOFT WALLS ON THE INSIDE:
"I really think, the soft walls would be nice, they would be nice. But I don't think there should be any discussion about the breaks in the interior walls. It just looks like a no-brainer to me, and it should have been done a while back when Jeff Fuller, or whoever it was, hit that one wall there at Kentucky, or wherever it was, the opening. He is so lucky to have survived that. It is such an easy fix. It is so much easier than soft walls, for example. I just don't know why that couldn't be done in a week. Just take the openings and turn them, it just seems like a fairly easy fix to me.
"Instead the opening being parallel to the race track, it needs to be outside and inside. You need to drive the vehicles out parallel to the track. Then there is no opening. That to me is just easy compared to some of these major undertakings. I think that is something that should have already been done and could be done very easily."
ON PENALTY TO 99 CAR:
"That is not my area of expertise, I am a competitor. That is NASCAR's deal."
ON HAVING EVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH LID ACTUALLY COMING OFF THE OIL RESERVOIR:
"No, I haven't. That is not my area. I am a competitor. We race. NASCAR officiates. That is the way it has always been. I have been on that penalizing side before myself as a competitor and it is what it is. They are the ones that handle all of that."
Mark Martin Race Preview - Kobalt Tools 500
Martin Looks For Continued Progress at 'Big and Fast' Atlanta Track
DEIMOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 6, 2008) -- Mark Martin and the No. 8 U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. Team will look to build on their continued momentum when the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit travels to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the fourth race of the season. Martin finished 10th last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and showed glimpses of what could be to come for the No. 8 team, qualifying third for the race and running as high as second.
"We are on a good run," said Martin, who took part in Monday's NASCAR test session with the No. 8 team at Phoenix International Raceway. "We learned some stuff in Vegas and we showed a great deal of improvement from what we had in California. Tony (Gibson) and the guys on this team have shown a great ability to keep working with the cars and make them better as we go.
"We were off at California and we didn't appear to be much better at Vegas, but they never gave up and we had a great effort in qualifying and were a pretty good car by the time the race rolled around."
This will mark Martin's 45th start at the 1.54-mile banked oval, dating back to his first start there in March 1982. Martin finished 19th that day, but returned in November to post the first of his 22 top-10 finishes at Atlanta. Along the way he has picked up two wins and 13 top-five finishes. He finished 10th at Atlanta last spring, but 43rd in the fall after getting claimed in an early accident.
"Atlanta's a big, fast racetrack and I've always enjoyed the racing there," added Martin. "The pavement has gotten a little older and it has really made for a great place to race again. To be honest, it is one of the best places we go and definitely one of my favorite tracks. The speed and the room really make for a good show, and if you can get your car hooked up just right, then you can have a lot of fun out there."
Mark Martin Sprint Preview - Kobalt Tools 500
Mark Martin looks for strong run in Atlanta
DEIHAMPTON, GA - After a solid outing in Las Vegas, Mark Martin and the No. 8 U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. team head to Atlanta. They will look to build on their third-place qualifying effort and top-10 finish last weekend.
MARK MARTIN AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Starts: 44 (22)
Wins: 0 (2)
Top 5s: 13 (6)
Top 10s: 22 (11) Poles: 1 (1)
Highest finish: 1 (twice)
First time: 11/7/82 (10th)
Last year: 3/18/07 (19th)
Last start: 10/28/07 (43rd)WORTHY NOTE
Martin has 22 top-10 finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway, dating back to 1982.
BURNING UP THE TRACK AT ATLANTA
This will be Martin's 45th-career Cup start at Atlanta, where the veteran has posted 22 top-10 finishes, 13 top fives and two wins. Martin ran his first career Cup race at Atlanta 24 years ago on March 21,1982, finishing 19th. He returned there that fall and drove to a top 10. He has posted top-10 finishes at AMS in five of the last seven races including a 10th-place finish there last spring.
FOURTH ANNUAL MARK MARTIN FAN APPRECIATION DAYS
Martin will host the fourth annual Mark Martin Fan Appreciation Days and Open House at his museum and dealership in Batesville, Arkansas on March 21 and 22. Martin will be joined by Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammate Aric Almirola along with, Ken Schrader, Joey Logano and MotoX Champion Ricky Carmichael. Martin will be on hand both days signing autographs and taking questions from fans.
THE 700 CLUB
Martin became only the 13th driver in NASCAR history to start 700 Cup races when the green flag dropped earlier this year at California Speedway. Martin currently has the 13th most Cup starts in NASCAR history. He is scheduled to make 23 more starts in 2008, bringing his total to 722, which will be the ninth most at the end of the season. Martin's total is the fourth most of active drivers. Martin started his first Cup race on April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
MARTIN'S 2008 SCHEDULE
This will be Martin's last race until April 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. Martin will pilot the U.S. Army No. 8 car in 26 races this year, including 24 point events. Aric Almirola will drive the car in the remaining 12 races, including upcoming events at Bristol and Martinsville. In addition, Martin will drive the No. 5 Hendrick Busch entry in five events this season.
QUOTING MARK MARTIN ON ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Atlanta's a big, fast racetrack, and I've always enjoyed racing there. The pavement has gotten a little older and it has finally given up and made it a really fun place to race again. From top-to-bottom, it’s one of the best places that we go, and it usually makes for a great show and a great race. We ran a lot better last weekend in Las Vegas and I'm excited about getting to Atlanta and seeing what we can do to build on that this weekend.
"Tony (Gibson) and the guys on this No. 8 U.S. Army Team continue to do an outstanding job. I really enjoy working with these guys and I'm looking forward to getting some more races under our belts. They have done an outstanding job in the pits and the cars are getting better each week. Hopefully we can go to Atlanta and put together another strong run and a solid finish."
MARK MARTIN - FAST FACTS - ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Martin has tallied 22 top 10s and 13 top fives at Atlanta, with top-five runs in four of the last seven.
Martin has won twice at Atlanta. Both wins came in the fall race ('91 & '94).
Martin has started in the top 10 in 26 of his 44 races at Atlanta. He has started inside the top five 18 times. He has earned one pole (3/92) and has started on the front row six times.
Martin scored his first top 10 at Atlanta in only this second start there on November 7, 1982.
Martin has led 924 laps at Atlanta, including 227 in the fall of 2004.
Martin has three wins and two poles in the Nationwide Series car at Atlanta.
MARK MARTIN - LAST YEAR AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Martch 18, 2007
Started 4th, Finished 10thMark Martin closed out the then longest consecutive starting streak in NASCAR with a top-10 finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With the finish, Martin maintained his lead in the Cup point standings, despite the fact that he would walk away from full-time Cup racing a week later.
With the finish, Martin had opened the season with four consecutive top-10 finishes for the first time since 2000 and for only the third time in his career. Martin then bowed out of the car the following weekend as the oldest driver in NASCAR history to lead the points for more than one week.
Martin and the U.S. Army Team started the race fourth after a strong qualifying effort, but struggled early with a loose race car, dropping as far back as 16th during the race. However, the No. 01 team refused to give up, continuing to work with the car under caution in hopes of improving the handling. By lap 270 Martin had driven the car back to 11th position before the race’s fourth caution was called. The team stepped up in the pits with one of its quickest stops of the day, sending Martin back out in ninth position. The veteran driver would run the remainder of the race inside the top 10.
Mark Martin Race Report - UAW-Doge 400
Martin Caps Off Strong Weekend with Top-10 Run in Las Vegas Cup Race
DEILAS VEGAS - March 2, 2008) -- Driving the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet, Mark Martin posted his ninth top-10 finish in 11 career Sprint Cup starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Sunday'sq0th-place result capped off a stellar weekend that saw Martin post his career-best qualifying effort of third in the Car of Tomorrow and collect his 48th career Nationwide Series victory on Saturday.
"Today was a very solid outing by our No. 8 U.S Army Team," said Martin. "We laid down a great qualifying lap on Friday and backed it up with a strong run in our Soldiers' car. We made a great deal of improvement over last week and we'll keep building on this and see what we have for them next week in Atlanta."
Martin's third-place qualifying effort was also his best in over a year, and the 10th-place finish was the best in three starts this season for the No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. team.
"We just have to keep getting better each week," added crew chief Tony Gibson. "Mark did a great job out there and once again this U.S. Army Team was solid on pit road. They battle like our soldiers with plenty of pride and spirit."
Martin, who led the first lap, virtually ran the entire race inside the top 10.His overall Cup record in 11 starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway now stands atone win, five top fives and nine top 10s.
Mark Martin Post Race Notes and Quotes - UAW-Doge 400
GM RacingMARK MARTIN, NO. 8 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS -- FINISHED 10TH:
"This was a very solid outing by our No. 8 U.S. Army Team," said Martin. "We laid down a great qualifying lap on Friday and backed it up with a strong run today. We made a great deal of improvement over last week and we'll keep building on this and see what we have for them next week in Atlanta."
Mark Martin Post Qualifying Interview - UAW-Doge 400
GM RacingMARK MARTIN , NO. 8 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS will start third in Sunday's UAW-Doge 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race, round 3 on the 2008 tour of 26 races.
ON HIS QUALIFYING:
"We made all the right changes to the car. And it was a great lap. The car really stuck well. We were 27th fastest in practice. I told those guys that I was getting all of it then. It wasn't like I had a whole lot left (laughs). I've got to give those guys credit. They have such big hearts and such a good attitude. It really is fun to go to work everyday when you're working with those guys."
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE SENSATION OF SPEED AND HOW FAST YOU'RE GOING HERE?
"For me, the sensation of speed wasn't very big compared to testing here in January. We were about one second slower, all of us, the times in the Nationwide cars and the Cup cars and everything. It didn't seem so fast. Qualifying was a little bit better. The speeds were getting more like it. I think you really noticed it when something goes wrong (laughs)."
AS WELL AS YOU'VE RACED HERE OVER THE YEARS, WHAT IS YOUR CRAZIEST LAS VEGAS STORY?
"Well, I don't know. There are a lot of things that come to mind. We won that first race and those big ol' tall showgirls were up there. I remember that vividly. I'm not saying they were pretty. But they were something else, for sure. They're all in the pictures from that. I'll tell you. We won that first race. And you know I never took a minute to think about or to enjoy any of that. All I could ever think about was how were we ever going to do this next week. But we stayed a long time because it was the inaugural race. There was a lot of press stuff afterwards. The place was cleared out quite a bit by the time I left by helicopter. I remember when the helicopter lifted up and I could see down, that's when I realized what I had accomplished; that's burned into my mind, that look down, and realizing because from behind the wheel, it's the same thing as winning at the local short track. It is just a race, when you're doing it. It might be a big race, but it's still a race. I guess that's the memory that I have. Just for one second I realized what we accomplished. And it was a big accomplishment. As you remember, it was a new team and three races into a season and I was sweating pretty big the change that I had made -- even though it was still the No. 6 car."
EVEN THOUGH IT'S EARLY BUT KYLE BUSCH NOW HAS SIX RACES, SIX TOP FIVE FINISHES, A POLE TODAY. ARE YOU SORT OF IN AWE AT THE STAR OF THE YEAR HE'S HAD BECAUSE OF WHAT IT TAKES TO DO THAT?
"I've seen this coming for quite some time. Right now, he is the wheel man of the series. I can't us the explanation that I might in the garage. But he's doing it. He's getting her done this year. He's doing it." When you watch Jeff Gordon drive, Jeff Gordon goes really fast. But you don't see a whole lot there other than going fast. You watch Kyle Busch drive and not only is he going fast, but you see he's taking your breath too (laugh). I've been there before. When you're at the very, very top of your came. He's got car control and he's smart enough to be able to make it. He's not wrecking them and bringing them back on a roll back. He's putting it all together."
ON DRIVING FOR DALE JUNIOR IN THE NO. 5 CHEVY IN THE NATIONWIDE SERIES:
"This is our kickoff to the season in the No. 5 car this season. Delphi is on the car and Dale Jr. has been really good in it the first two races with a third and a seventh place finish. The car is good enough to be a contender, I think. It's always hard to tell but we tested really well here and I've been relatively pleased with the car of today. I'm looking forward to it and it's such a privilege to work with the folks from Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Junior and his whole organization. I've been over to his shop several times and boy, I'd sure like to get that trophy for all of us tomorrow."
TALK ABOUT WORKING WITH LANCE MCGREW THIS WEEKEND, INTERIM CREW CHIEF, AND HOW THAT SWITCH IS AFFECTING YOU THIS WEEKEND
"For the past 14 months, it's been put the blindfold on me and spin me around and jerk it off. So it's just one more new guy. It actually is working well. I worked with Alan Gustafson last year with the No. 5 car until we got down to Homestead and then it was Chad (Knaus) we had a great run there. We were starting to know each other pretty well because we did the test out here. And now with Lance, another great guy with tremendous depth coming out of the Hendrick organization and all those guys that work on that car, worked on it last year when I did three races. So, I'm comfortable. I'm with new guys in my Cup car too and to be real honest with you, I can't even tell it. I know all their names now (laughs) believe it or not, and I'm very comfortable working with them. I've been working with a lot of people and as long as they give me great race cars and they give me good communication and feedback, it seems to be working well."
HAVE THEY FIGURED OUT THE TIRE FOR THIS TRACK AND THE COT?
"We didn't see any tire trouble in the test and some guys did long runs in the test. But the grip was so high during the test that I wasn't really super comfortable. The grip level is a lot lower now, which makes me feel a little bit more confident in the tire being able to hold up. So, we'll find out some more tomorrow, but we didn't see any troubles in the test.
Mark Martin Post Qualifying Notes and Quotes - UAW-Doge 400
GM RacingMARK MARTIN, NO. 8 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS, QUALIFIED 3rd:
"I love this place. This No. 8 team is just fun to work with and we are having a blast here. I just told the guys, we got a great laugh here, cause I told them that is I had the lap of my life, we will be about 25th and if I don't, it will be worse than that. So coming off the corner, that must be why I went so fast, I guess I didn't know what I was about to hit. We are just having fun. I appreciate driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and the Army."
Sam's Town? No, it's Martin's-ville
By Jeff Wolf
ReviewJournal.com - Sports
March 2, 2008Mark Martin is one of the most revered drivers to ever compete in NASCAR. Fans love him. Fellow drivers love him.
Martin showed one reason why Saturday when he began his celebration after winning the Sam's Town 300 by apologizing to two drivers he put out of the race with four laps left.
"I have to apologize to Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski,” Martin said with a somber grimace, not a winning smile.
"I ran into the back of Carl, and I lost control. I didn't intend for it happen. I couldn't stop it once it got started."
It was the 49-year-old's 48th win in the Nationwide Series and third at Las Vegas Motor Speedway before an estimated crowd of 110,000. Martin won the first Sprint Cup race here in 1998 and the Nationwide race the next year.
His apology notwithstanding, Martin could have flattened Edwards and Keselowski's tires with a bazooka and he would have been forgiven. Not only because he's so popular, but because the co-owner of his No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet is Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Martin gave the Earnhardt team, partly owned by Hendrick Motorsports, its first victory in the series. He had the dominant car for much of the 202-lap race, leading 81.
He was leading before a yellow flag came out on lap 188, but fell to fourth after pitting under the caution. Martin worked his way to third, and on lap 197 he drew close to Edwards' bumper, with Keselowski just ahead of Edwards.
That's when Martin tapped the back of Edwards' car, which lost traction and slid into Keselowski to bring out a race-record 13th yellow flag.
The race resumed for a two-lap overtime with Martin leading, and he was able to beat runner-up Greg Biffle by 0.588 seconds.
"It looked like Carl wasn't getting down the (front) straightaway like (Martin) was," Biffle said. "Mark didn't mean to spin him out."
Even Edwards was subdued after the incident.
"I'd like to be mad at Mark, but he's a great guy," Edwards said. "I know he feels bad about making a mistake."
The cautions slowed the race for 55 laps, and crashes sent nine crumpled cars to the garages. Among those were Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch, who finished 1-2 in the year's first two Nationwide events.
Busch was the first to have his day end when his right-front tire exploded on lap 104 and did heavy damage to the fender. He led laps 65 to 83 and completed the race but finished 31st, 100 laps down.
Stewart collided with David Reutiman on lap 130, but maintained the season points lead despite placing 27th.
Las Vegas resident Patrick Carpentier was an unexpected participant in the race and finished eighth. He was a last-minute replacement for Kasey Kahne, who has been treated for a sinus infection since arriving in Las Vegas.
Kahne was able to participate in practice sessions for today's Sprint Cup UAW-Dodge 400, which will begin at 1:30 p.m., and is expected to drive his No. 9 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge.
Mark Martin Sprint Race Preview - UAW Dodge 400
DEIAfter fighting back to a 16th-place finish at California last week, Martin and the No. 8 U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. Team roll into Las Vegas this weekend looking for their first top-10 run of the season.
MARTIN, NO. 8 TEAM READY TO ROLL IN VEGAS
MARTIN AT VEGAS
Starts: 10
Wins: 1
Top 5s: 5
Top 10s: 8
Poles: 0
Highest finish: 1 (3/1/98)
First time: 3/1/98 (1st)
Last start: 3/11/07 (5th)WORTHY NOTE
Martin won the inaugural Cup race at Las Vegas, and has finished inside the top 10 in 80 percent of his starts there.
MARK MARTIN - LAST YEAR AT LAS VEGAS
MARCH 11, 2007
Started 14th, Finished 5thMark Martin and the U.S. Army Race team picked up their third consecutive top-five finish to open the 2007 season with a fifth-place result at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The finish continued Martin’s best career start in 20-plus years of Cup racing. Martin also maintained the Nextel Cup point lead as the circuit headed into Atlanta.
Martin started the race 14th and dropped back to 19th position early as he worked to feel out the track's newly repaved surface. The team pitted for fuel only under caution on lap nine, allowing them to acquire track position by staying out on the following caution on lap 17. The move put Martin in second position when the field resumed green flag racing on lap 24, and Martin would run virtually the remainder of the race inside the field’s top 10.
MARTIN CLOSE TO A SURE BET AT VEGAS
Martin has been hot in Vegas, finishing inside the top 10 in 80 percent (eight) of his starts at the 1.5-mile track. He won the inaugural Cup event there in 1998, and has finished top five in 50 percent of his 10 Cup starts there. Martin finished fifth at Vegas last season and sixth there in 2006. He also has two wins (1999 and 2005) and two poles in the Nationwide Series at LVMS.
PULLING A VEGAS DOUBLE
Martin will take part in his first Nationwide Series race of the season this weekend at Las Vegas, when he gets behind the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet. Martin has a rich history in the Nationwide Series at Vegas, winning twice, posting two poles and collecting four top-10 finishes.
10TH ANNIVERSARY
This year will mark the 10th anniversary of Martin's win in the inaugural cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a win that remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.
THE 700 CLUB
Martin became only the 13th driver in NASCAR history to start 700 Cup races when the green flag dropped last Sunday at California Speedway. Martin currently has the 13th most Cup starts in NASCAR history. He is scheduled to make 23 more starts in 2008, bringing his total to 722, which will be the ninth most at the end of the season. Martin's total is the fourth most of active drivers. Martin started his first Cup race on April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
QUOTING MARK MARTIN ON THIS WEEK'S SPRINT RACE IN LAS VEGAS
"I've always enjoyed Las Vegas, and we've had a lot of success there over the years. The win there in 1998 really stands out for a number of reasons. It's really hard to believe that it has been 10 years. We had a new team and it was the first race there, and I can remember leaving the track that night and looking down from the helicopter on the track and thinking 'wow,' this wasn't some dirt track win. Very rarely in my career have I allowed myself to stop for a second and think about a win or anything, but for a few minutes I did that night. It was a big deal to win at Vegas and we had done that. It's still a special win for me.
"I'm excited about going to Vegas with Tony Gibson and this No. 8 team. We missed the setup last weekend at California and it certainly made for a long race. Still, the guys on the team really hung in there. Their work in the pits was excellent and they gained me a ton of positions on pit road. We didn't have a very good car, but we hung in there, fought to the end and finished better than we ran. That says a lot about the guys on this team."
QUOTING MARK MARTIN ON THE ON THE NATIONWIDE SERIES RACE
"I've always enjoyed running in that race at Vegas and we've had a lot of success there over the years. I'm looking forward to getting back in the No. 5 Chevrolet. Those guys are a lot of fun to work with, and we had some really strong runs last season. We came pretty close to getting a win in the car last year and hopefully we can finish the deal this weekend."
MARK MARTIN FAST FACTS - LAS VEGAS
Martin has eight top-10 finishes in 10 races at LVMS, including five top-fives and a win.
Martin won the inaugural Cup race at Las Vegas in 1998.
Martin has led 258 laps (second most) at Las Vegas, including 72 in the last two races there.
Martin has finished in the top six in seven of his 10 races at Las Vegas.
Martin is one of just seven drivers to have started all 10 races at Las Vegas.
Martin has two poles and two wins in four Nationwide races at Las Vegas, including a win in 2005.
Martin will drive the No. 5 Nationwide car in this week's Nationwide Series race at Las Vegas.
Mark Martin Nationwide Race Preview - Sam’s Town 300
MARTIN AT VEGAS
Mark Martin has raced in four NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, winning the last time he ran there in 2005. Overall, he has won twice, earned two pole positions and recorded three top-five finishes and four top-10s. In each of the four races, Martin has led at least eight laps. His average start is 7.2, and his average finish is 2.5.
IN THE SERIES
Martin, who ran his first full season in 1987, is the winningest driver in the Nationwide Series with 47 wins. In 225 races, Martin also has recorded 30 poles, 107 top-five finishes and 144 top-10s. His average start is 10th, and his average finish is 12.4. In a 2006 NASCAR poll of both fans and media, Martin ranked No. 1 among the "25 Greatest NASCAR Nationwide Series Drivers." Martin made his debut in the series on Aug. 13, 1982.
VETERAN TOUCH
Martin, at age 49, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the cast that will drive the No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet this season. He has competed in 12 more Nationwide Series races than the five other drivers combined. Martin has run in 225 races, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. (99), Jimmie Johnson (87), Ron Fellows (12), Adrian Fernandez (9) and Landon Cassill (6) combine for 213.
NO. 5 JR MOTORSPORTS CHEVY IN '08
Martin will run five races in JR Motorsports' No. 5 Chevrolet this season. Cassill will race in 16 and contend for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors. Earnhardt (9), Johnson (3), Fernandez (1) and Fellows (1) fill out the 35-race schedule. The No. 5 team is competing for the Nationwide Series owner's championship.
NATIONWIDE LINEUP
In his five Nationwide events in the No. 5 Chevy this season, Martin will run twice with Delphi as the sponsor -- this weekend in Las Vegas and again on Nov. 1 at Texas Motor Speedway. On May 9, his next race with JR Motorsports, he will pilot the No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. Martin also will race the GoDaddy.com Chevrolet on Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway and Sept. 27 at Kansas Speedway.
VEGAS CHASSIS
The No. 5 Delphi Chevrolet team will use Chassis No. 473, a new car that Martin tested in Las Vegas in January, for Saturday's race.
MARK MARTIN, DRIVER OF THE NO. 5 DELPHI CHEVROLET (ON DRIVING THE NO. 5 CHEVY FOR JR MOTORSPORTS.)
"I'm really excited about getting behind the wheel of the No. 5 Delphi Chevrolet this weekend. I've had a lot of strong runs in the Nationwide Series at Las Vegas, and anytime you get in that No. 5 car you know it's going to be fast. So it will just be up to me to make sure that I can hold up my end of the bargain. I really enjoy working with those guys on that team. We came pretty close to getting a win last year at Darlington, and hopefully we can go in there to Vegas next weekend and close the deal."
Mark Martin Race Report - Auto Club 500
Martin Finishes 16th in Milestone 700th Career Cup Start
Team misses setup, rebounds for 16th-place finish
DEIFONTANA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2008) -- Mark Martin and the No. 8 Principal Financial Group team fought to a 16th-place finish in Monday's rain delayed Auto Club 500 at California Speedway. Martin's milestone 700th-start occurred Sunday, but rain wreaked havoc on the event, causing several delays and finally resulting in the race being red flagged and postponed after 87 laps.
"The car just wasn't as good in the race as we had hoped," said Martin. "I have to take the blame for that. We just missed the setup and that falls on my shoulders. We had a great test out here and were strong in practice with this Principal Financial Group Chevy, but I must have misjudged somewhere along the way. I'm not sure where we were off, but the car just didn't handle like we needed it to out there."
"We definitely have our work cut out for us heading into Vegas next weekend, but I like what I see in this team," added Martin. "I would have liked for a little more with the 700th start, but you don't pick the races you want to run well in. I do want to thank all the fans and everyone out there who have made it possible for us to do this all these years, and I want to thank the Principal Financial Group for riding on the car with us this weekend."
Martin ran around 20th position for much of the event, and the veteran was running in 19th when the race's 11th caution was called on Lap 220 of 250. With just 30 laps remaining, crew chief Tony Gibson opted for a two-tire stop and track position. When green flag racing resumed, Martin was in fifth place. Battling cars on four fresh tires, Martin was able hold on for a 16th-place result.
"We finished a lot better than we ran most of the day," said Martin. "Sometimes that's all you can do out there. We'll keep working with it and get a lot better."
All of Friday's track activity -- including qualifying - was canceled and Martin started the race 16th based on last year's owner points. Despite being a top-five car in Saturday's practice session, Martin struggled with the car's handling from the drop of the green flag. He fell back to 20th by just the fourth lap, and battled an ill-handling car and seeping track conditions for the onset.
Eventually the race was red-flagged for rain fall after 87 laps with Martin running in 17th position. NASCAR attempted to restart the race late in the evening, but eventually had to give way to wet track conditions and postpone the race until Monday morning.
The highlight of the day was the quick work of the No. 8 crew in the pits. The team helped Martin pick up valuable positions during several stops.
"The pit crew had a great day, and nobody on this team gave up," said Gibson. "We needed a better car for the race, but everyone dug in and we were at our best at the end. Mark had a handful out there, but he never gave up. I'm looking forward to getting out to Vegas and continuing to build on what we have going here."
Mark Martin Red Flag Quotes - Auto Club 500
GM RacingMARK MARTIN, NO. 8 PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP IMPALA SS:
Red Flag Rain Quotes:
"This is really a tough deal, we just can't seem to get racing here. The race track isn't taking any rubber, this has been tough.
"The track is ok, our car just isn't working well. For the guys whose car is working, I am sure it is fine."
MARK MARTIN, NO. 8 PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP IMPASA SS:
Red Flag Quotes:
"I'm loving it. We just need to run a while and get some rubber down. I think our car is going to get better the longer the race goes. We've got a lot of racing to do yet. I'm pretty encouraged. It's a struggle right now because the car is pretty free. But it's turning great. And I think over the long haul it'll pay off for us."
Mark Martin Friday Media Visit - California Speedway
GM RacingMark Martin, driver of the No. 8 The Principal Financial Group Impala SS, met with media members on Friday at California Speedway and talked about making his 700th start, his career, the IROC Series, his chances in Sunday's race and more.
ON MAKING HIS 700TH START THIS WEEKEND
"That's a lot of races. It's amazing to reflect back. It's made me reflect back on my first race back in North Wilkesboro in 1981. I've been real fortunate, worked with a lot of great people, drove a lot of fast race cars. To me it's not so important how many times I've started but how fast I went when I started them. I managed to go fast a lot with the help of a lot of great race teams and good help."
ON BEING ABLE TO HAVE FUN
"I think it's because I'm getting to run the schedule that I really want to run and I'm working with really great people and that's real important to me. I was in the garage at 8:00 this morning because there's nowhere else I rather be than around my extended family. Tony Gibson and the guys that work on this car, that's one thing that is really important to me is the camaraderie that we have and experience. That part of it I really enjoy. I love going fast on the race track and these guys are going to give me a great race car this weekend. We had a good test out here that also makes it fun."
ON WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IF A MOVIE WERE MADE ABOUT HIM
"Gosh, I don't know. I have no idea. I couldn't tell you."
TOM CRUISE MAYBE?
"He's way too cool to play me. It's hard for me to think of the right person. Maybe the guy who played Napoleon Dynamite." (laughter)
ON WHAT RACES COME TO MIND WHEN REFLECTING ON HIS CAREER
"I can go on and on and on about races and I'm sure you would be surprised about why I remember those particular ones. I can wear you out with them. The first race, I had never experienced putting the green out when it was sprinkling. NASCAR does that; you know the green and the yellow. They start the race under caution; I'd never experienced that. Well I almost had a heart attack. I qualified fifth. I had never driven a car that had a rear end cooler fan ever, so I didn't take this as a serious thing because we weren't really going. I didn't turn it on when we started the engine and of course I burned up the rear end gear. They did finally throw the green flag but I didn't remember to turn the switches on and burned up the rear end gear, for example.
"I remember Martinsville that year because I ran third. This won't tell anything to anybody except the guys in this garage. I ran third at Martinsville with GM brakes. Single-piston brakes with a 3/8-inch brake pad. Now they've got about a 1 1/4" brake pad. Something that no one ever thought you could do or could ever do again. I know I could never do it again, I tell you that. I don't know how I did it.
"For example, just a lot of great things in my career something that comes to mind that wasn't prior to NASCAR was not running the right rear spring. Running three springs, setting the track record and winning at Winchester with my late model and becoming a late model legend because I could run a three-spring race car. There's just been all kinds of stuff. There's all kinds of weird stuff. I don't believe I've mentioned a trophy yet, did I. The trophies are okay and they were great and winning is great but there's a lot along the way.
"Lots of big disappointments as well, I remember a lot of those. I remember running out of gas at Daytona with ten laps to go, which is 25 miles. I never knew anybody could miss it that far. I hadn't had a win yet. I remember running second six times before we got our first win and that could have been it but we ran out of gas 25 miles too soon."
DID THE GETTING CLOSE BUT NOT WINNING GET AGGRAVATING?
"It did not. What got aggravating was, this group (the media) asked me every week, when are you going to win and that was ridiculous. How was I supposed to answer that? I mean we were trying as hard as we could and that was frustrating. I wanted to win bad but I was happy that we were running and if you're knocking out a second every two or three weeks you're going to win and its going to happen. So I was okay with that part of it. It wasn't running me up the wall near like going broke, bankrupt and having to go back short track racing to start over again. I still felt I was in a lot better shape than that."
ON HIS FEELINGS ABOUT THE IROC (INTERNTIONAL RACE OF CHAMPIONS) SERIES
"First of all let me tell you something, I am not special. I'm nothing special, I haven't done all that much. I don't consider myself a great driver. I don't put myself in that league, not in the same league with the great drivers of NASCAR. My credentials just don't warrant that. Now, that being said, I ran IROC seven years in a row that I was invited to run and I finished first or second seven years in a row. Nobody could do that. Am I proud of that, yes. Am I proud of what I've done in Cup racing yeah, but I'm not in Jeff Gordon's league. I'm not in Darrell Waltrip's league. I was in Rusty Wallace's league but he won more races than I did, you know what I mean. I'm not in Dale Earnhardt's league in my eyes. In my eyes, I'm not in their league. And as bad as I wanted to be, I just never laid down quite enough to be there. So am I proud of IROC?
"I did that against Jeff Gordon, I did that against Earnhardt, I did that against Al Unser, Jr. I did that against the best of the best. Not only did I win them most of the years but the ones I didn't, I got second. It was awesome. I think the last year was the only year that I didn't run second beside the first year and I was fourth. I think I was fourth, third and one and then like for nine years I was like first or second. It was unbelievable that I got to be in it, I didn't get to be in it every year. So, yeah I'm proud of that. That's the only thing that I ever really did that was in the league with the greats."
ON THE IROC SERIES GOING TO THE WAYSIDE AND HOW HARD IT WAS TO GET ALL THE DIFFERENT DRIVERS FROM DIFFERENT SERIES TO COME TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE TO COMPETE
"It really was, especially in the earlier years. Because in the earlier years it truly was, it got harder and harder to get the guys from the other divisions to come. In the early years it wasn't because it was the International Race of Champions. It was a big deal for a long time. Eventually it got to where you couldn't draw those people to come do it."
IF YOU DON'T PUT YOURSELF IN THE CATEGORY WITH THE GREATS, WHERE DO YOU PUT YOURSELF IN NASCAR AS A WHOLE?
"I'm a blue collar man. That's where I place myself in Sprint Cup racing I think. I was the guy who struggled real hard to get here, fell on my face and went home and struggled real hard to get back. Thanks to Jack Roush I had a chance to show what I could do and that ranks where it ranks. You know I never really reached the kind of success that Dale Earnhardt or Jeff Gordon. Rusty Wallace won more race than I did all though I had a lot of success. I had a little more success than a lot of folks that have been involved in this sport, but I don't put myself up there in the category with the greats."
AS A RACE CAR DRIVER AND A COMPETITOR YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF COCKINESS. I SENSE THAT WHEN WE TALK TO YOU, WHERE DOES THAT COCKINESS COME FROM?
"You need to ask the rest of them that. The guys that know me, I can't tell you that. You ask Jeff Burton, you ask Matt Kenseth. Some of the guys that know me, they could probably answer that. Pride is a big part of everything in racing and every driver in here has a big ego including myself. Don't think I've ever done anything but at the same time I have not done what Dale Earnhardt did and I have not done what Jeff Gordon has done and a number of other drivers. But on the other hand I have done some pretty cool things. I've been very fortunate to drive a lot of fast race cars and work with a lot of great people in a lot of different divisions and I've had a lot of success. It's just some guys have had a lot more."
ON WEATHER AND OTHER CONCERNS FOR THIS SUNDAY'S RACE
"With the kind of test we had here I don't have any concerns for Sunday other than they are predicting for some rain. That's my only concern. Gosh, really good car here for the test. It felt fun to have the garage looking at the No. 8 you know thinking that we were the No. 8. That's cool."
ON EXPECTATIONS OF HOW HE EXPECTS TO RUN IN SUNDAY'S RACE
"I think it's going to be a great race, I really do. I think we've come light years with the car of today from where we were a year ago and I think we will continue to get better. But I think it will be a really good race."
ON THE NATIONWIDE CARS BEING DOWN ON HORSEPOWER AND HOW THAT AFFECTS DRIVING THE CARS.
"You hold your foot down longer. Those cars have always been underpowered as opposed to Cup cars. So this is more like the old days. More recently that gap between was closer, now it's more like it used to be. My specialty for some reason is limited horsepower vehicles like the Trucks and the Nationwide cars. I don't know why that is. I've had more success in those divisions than I have had in Cup racing. I look forward to it. I look forward to being in a cooperative effort between Jr. Motorsports, Dale, Jr. and Rick Hendrick. If Dale, Jr. doesn't win in it this weekend, I sure would like to be the first one to do it for those guys and I look forward to it. Can't wait."
ARE YOU RUNNING THE NATIONWIDE RACE THIS WEEKEND?
"No, not this week. Next week in Vegas we're going to be in the No. 5 car."
ON HOW A DRIVER SHOULD EXPRESS HIMSELF AND WHEN DOES HE CROSS THE LINE
"I don't know. If I punched somebody out there in the garage I'm sure I'll pay dearly. I don't think they're going to let that go. I don't know. I don't much have to worry about it to be honest with you."
WHY DO YOU THINK NASCAR IS SAYING WE NEED TO SEE MORE OF THE DRIVERS PERSONALITY?
"Listen, I appreciate what they're saying but here's what I say. One of the big reasons you don't see the drivers personalities is because this thing has been allowed to make points in the championship everything. It's not about the superheroes the he-men anymore, it's did he score five points or not. It's a bunch of bull. What was great about this sport when I came into it was Cale Yarborough man. It was Jaws. It was David Pearson, the silver fox. We have those guys here.
"We have those kind of people and personalities in the sport, but it's not covered. What's covered is how many points did somebody score and whose the champion or who might be the champion. So that's kind of what they are saying, I'm just saying it in a different way. I'm saying that it's here but in order to grow the sport they figured out a way to make points racing draw media and grow the sport. In over 20 years of doing that they lost covering the real heroes the real he-men of the sport, the individuals, the personalities. A little scuffle is not going to fix that. I don't know what will fix that but there are those kind of personalities in the sport today that were in it when I came in, but they're not covered. So the fans don't know about it."
DO YOU THINK THE MEDIA COULD MAKE IT BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS?
"It would be an uphill battle for the media to do that because of where we are today; because of the importance that is put on the Sprint Cup and all that. I'm not laying that blame on the media. I think it was a direction that the sport headed when it needed to grow and it was started that way for a good reason. It was headed in that direction and somewhere along the way we forgot to exploit the character that Terry Labonte was, the character that Rusty Wallace was. At the end we missed that. The individual that Matt Kenseth is, instead of he's boring. That makes me mad. It's only because the coverage of him is boring, it's not because he's boring. He's a cool dude and there's a lot to him. Each one in this garage is a different individual. That's the part to me that I have trouble with."
IN 699 STARTS WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENDED?
"I've done so many stupid things. I need to put about 50 of them in that category. I don't know that I could just put one. I've had a really lot of disappointments and a number of painful races. In '99 the July race in Daytona, on Friday night I broke my wrist, rib and knee and I raced Saturday night with a cast on my hand and it hurt so bad that I got them to get me a pair of scissors during a caution which is really safe by the way so that I could try to cut the cast off during the race. That's one of those 50."
Martin to Make 700th Cup Start at California Speedway
Veteran will become only 13th driver in history to reach milestone
DEIMOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb.19, 2008) -- Mark Martin will make his 700th career Sprint Cup start this weekend when the green flag drops at California Speedway, becoming only the 13th driver in NASCAR history to reach the milestone.
The Principal Financial Group will serve as the sponsor of the No. 8 Chevrolet and will feature a paint scheme that showcases a special 700th-start logo in tribute to Martin's accomplishments.
"It's not really how many races you started that matters, it's how fast you went in those races that people remember," joked Martin when asked about the accomplishment. "But really it says a lot about all the people that have worked on all those cars for all these years. I have to thank each and every crew chief and each and every crew guy that played a part in everything we were able to do over the past 20 plus seasons."
Martin started his first Cup race on April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He started fifth and finished 27th; humble beginnings for what would go on to be one of the most successful careers in NASCAR history. Heading into Sunday's event, Martin has started 699 Cup races, totaling 35 wins, 41 poles, 239 top-five finishes and 385 top 10s. In addition, he made 621 consecutive starts from 1988 to 2007 before walking away from full-time Cup racing with the points lead in hand following the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March 2007.
"I really don't read that much into numbers," said Martin. "But it does mean there are a lot of things to be thankful for. I've been able to stay in good health and I've had good cars and was always able to make the race."
During pre-race ceremonies at California Speedway, the Principal Financial Group and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) will present Martin with a commemorative green flag emblazoned with the same 700th start logo that will appear on DEI's No. 8 Principal Financial Group Chevrolet. Following the race, this same green flag will be signed by Martin and auctioned on e-bay with proceeds benefitting the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
If Martin, who is running a partial schedule of 24 point races in 2008, stays on schedule he will end the year with 722 Cup starts, the ninth-most of all time. Martin will most likely pass legendary driver Bobby Allison (719) and Kenny Schrader (718).
"I'm actually very thankful for everything I have been fortunate enough to accomplish," added Martin. "I'm thankful to everyone around me over the years that worked so hard and I'm thankful to all the fans who have stood by me for all of these years. Heck, I wish I was 25 years old and had that many ahead of me, but I'm still very thankful for everything I have been able to do in my career. It really is a dream come true."
Mark Martin Race Preview - Auto Club 500
DEI
February 20, 2008Mark Martin and the No. 8 Team head to California Speedway for what will be Martin's milestone 700th Sprint Cup start. Martin, who will make his second start in the No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevy, had a strong Daytona Speedweeks and a fast car in the Daytona 500, before getting caught up in a late accident.
MARK MARTIN AT CALIFORNIA
Starts: 13 (3)
Wins: 1 (-)
Top 5's: 4 (2)
Top 10's: 7 (2)
Poles: 7 (3)
Highest finish: 1 (5/3/98)
First time: 6/22/97 (10th)
Last time: 2/26/07 (5th)WORTHY NOTE
Martin is the only driver in track history to have won at California in the Cup, Busch, Truck and IROC series.
THE 700 CLUB
Martin will become only the 13th driver in NASCAR history to start 700 Cup races. Martin currently has the 13th most Cup starts in NASCAR history. He is scheduled to make 23 more starts in 2008, bringing his total to 722, which will be the ninth most at the end of the season. Martin's total is the fourth most of active drivers. Martin started his first Cup race on April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP SET TO SPONSOR 700th START
Martin will have a familiar face on the car this weekend for his 700th start. The Principal Financial Group, which sponsored Martin last season at the July Daytona race, will serve as the primary sponsor for the event. In honor of the occasion, The Principal will run a special 700th-start logo on the car.
HONORING THE 700th START
During pre-race ceremonies at California Speedway, the Principal Financial Group and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) will present Martin with a commemorative green flag emblazoned with the same 700th start logo that will appear on DEI’s No. 8 Principal Financial Group Chevrolet. Following the race, this same green flag will be signed by Martin and auctioned on e-bay with proceeds benefiting the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
MARTIN AT CALIFORNIA
This will be Martin's 15th start at the two-mile oval of California Speedway. He ran to victory there in the track's second Cup race in 1998. He has four top-five finishes and seven top-10s. Martin has finished inside the top 10 in three of his last four starts at California, including a fifth-place finish last spring. Martin did not run the fall race at California Speedway.
VISITING VICTORY LANE AT CALIFORNIA
Martin is the only driver in track history to have won races in the Cup (1998), Busch (2005), Crafstman Truck (2006) and International Race of Champions series (1997 and 1998).
QUOTING MARK MARTIN ON THE 700th START
"I've never really put a lot into numbers, but I think it says a lot about the people who have touched these cars over the years. It says a lot about all the crew chiefs and crew guys and everyone who played such a role in all we were able to accomplish. It really doesn't matter how many you start, it's more about how fast you were able to go in those starts, and I think we did a pretty good job of that over the years. I'm very thankful to everyone who gave such an effort to give me that opportunity."
QUOTING MARK MARTIN ON THIS WEEKEND
"We had one of the best speedweeks that I can remember, and we had a good car for the Daytona 500. It's unfortunate that we didn't get a finish that was indicative of the effort, but I really did like what I saw in this No. 8 Team. We had a really good test at California last month and I'm excited about getting back there and seeing what we can do on this style of track. These kinds of tracks have always suited my driving style and I'm pretty excited about seeing what we can do at California and even Las Vegas in the next couple of weeks."
MARK MARTIN FAST FACTS - CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY
Martin will make his 700th Cup start this weekend at California Speedway.
Martin has posted seven top-10 and four top-five finishes in 14 races at California Speedway.
Martin has led a total of 268 laps a California Speedway.
Martin finished 10th in the inaugural California race, despite running out of gas late and posting a DNF. Martin rebounded the following year to win the event.
Martin won the Busch race at Fontana in 2005; his only Busch start at the track.
Martin is the only driver in California Speedway history to post wins in Cup, Busch, Truck and IROC at the two-mile track.
LAST YEAR AT CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25, 2007
California Speedway
Started 6th, Finished 5thMartin left California Speedway leading the Nextel Cup driver point standings after posting a fifth-place finish in the Auto Club 500. It was the second consecutive top-five result for Martin, who finished runner-up by a few feet in the season-opening Daytona 500. The last time the racing icon led the point standings was Sept. 22, 2002.
Martin and the team gambled to stay out on a late caution with only eight laps to go. The gamble paid off, with Martin picking up two positions under the caution and restarting in seventh position when the field returned to green one final time with only six laps remaining in the 500-hundred mile race. Martin was able to quickly pick up two more spots to finish fifth, kicking off his 2007 season with back-to-back top-five finishes.
Mark Martin Career Milestones
DEI
February 20, 2008Mark Martin will make his 700th Cup start this weekend at California Speedway. Below is a list of Martin's milestone accomplishments.
First Cup Race - April 5, 1981, North Wilkesboro Speedway - Started 5, Finished 27
First Pole - Sept. 13, 1981, Richmond International Raceway - Started 1, Finished 7
100th Cup Start - June, 25, 1989, Michigan International Speedway - Started 4, Finished 12
First Win - Oct. 22, 1989, North Carolina Speedway, Started 7, Finished 1
200th Cup Start - Oct, 25, 1992 - North Carolina Speedway - Started 2, Finished 30
300th Cup Start - March 31, 1996 -- Bristol Motor Speedway - Started 1, Finished 3
400th Cup Start - May 2, 1999 -- California Speedway - Started 3, Finished 38
41st Cup Pole -- May 5, 2001, Richmond International Raceway, Started 1, Finished 13
500th Cup Start - March 24, 2002 -- Bristol Motor Speedway - Started 37, Finished 11
500th Consecutive Cup Start - New Hampshire - Started 33, Finished 28
600th Cup Start --Nov. 7, 2004, Phoenix International Speedway -- Started 22, Finished 15
35th Cup Win -- Oct. 9, 2005, Kansas Speedway, Started 19, Finished 1
650th Cup Start -- Coca-Cola 600, Lowe's Motor Speedway -- Started 21, Finished 4
600th Consecutive Cup Start -- July 16, 2006, New Hampshire Speedway -- Started 13, Finished 4
621st Consecutive Cup Start -- March 18, 2007, Atlanta Motor Speedway -- Started 4, Finished 10
700th Start -- Scheduled for Feb. 24, 2008 at California Speedway
Mark Martin Race Report - Daytona 500
Adversity Strikes Gritty Army Team in Daytona 500
DEI
February 18, 2008Going into Sunday’s 50th running of the Daytona 500 Mark Martin knew he would need three things to be in contention for the Great American Race -- a fast car, a strong crew and some luck.
In the end, two out of three was not good enough as Martin and the U.S. Army team battled adversity, settling for a 31st-place finish in the NASCAR Sprint Cup season opener.
For the first 83 of the 200-lap event at Daytona International Speedway, Martin ran a steady and patient race while positioned inside or near the top 10 of the 43-car field.
But on Lap 84, the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet suffered a major setback when both left side tires went flat after running over debris on the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The incident not only dropped Martin back to 42nd place, he went a lap down, was out of the draft and was in serious position of falling two laps behind.
"That was a blow because we really had a good car," said Martin. "Until the tires went down everything was going according to plan."
A dry spell of cautions didn't help Martin's cause, but he eventually got back on the lead lap with the Lucky Dog free pass on Lap 162.
As the 500-mile race was winding down, Martin was moving forward and ran as high as 17th. It appeared he was headed to a possible top-10 or better finish.
"We battled back from almost dead last and were just getting into the thick of things before we got caught up in somebody else's mess," said Martin.
As Martin was continuing his move forward adversity struck again when the Army car got collected with 10 laps remaining in an accident that was triggered by Dave Blaney.
Following the mishap, Martin drove the No. 8 down pit road where the Army crew made quick repairs to the heavily damaged right-side. Martin returned to the track and was able to drive the crippled race car to the checkered flag.
“Sometimes you just can’t overcome that kind of stuff,” explained Martin. “But the guys hung in there and we fought back, just like our soldiers do every day to protect our freedom. This U.S. Army Team really showed me a lot of grit today.”
Martin Geared Up For 50th Running of the Daytona 500
After strong runs in last two Daytona 500s, veteran hoping third time is a charm
DEIDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2008) -- Mark Martin has led 45 laps in his last two Daytona 500 starts and has four top-six finishes in the last six 'Great American Races.' However, for years the wily veteran described Daytona International Speedway as the 'World Center of Pain', a slight play of words for the 2.5-mile superspeedway that is often referred to as the 'World's Center of Speed.'
"It just seemed like nothing could go right for us at Daytona," said Martin, who has never won a NASCAR points race at Daytona. "I don't know how many times we had a strong car and would run out of gas, lose an engine or get caught up in some wreck that we just couldn't avoid."
"It could really be frustrating at the time," added Martin, who is a native of Daytona Beach. "But that's racing. You really don't pick the races that you win, and to be perfectly honest, I feel very blessed that I've been able to win the ones that I have."
Martin, who boasts 35 Sprint Cup wins during his illustrious NASCAR career, is still looking for that elusive Daytona 500 victory. Everyone remembers last year's dramatic and controversial finish that saw Martin come up just a couple feet short of Kevin Harvick at the finish line, as a melee of cars crashed behind them.
Martin led 26 of the final 27 laps of that race and turned in what many have called the best driving performance of his career. Two years ago in 2006, Martin enjoyed one of the best 500 runs of his career, powering his way to the lead and heading the pack for 19 laps before a mishap on pit road relegated him to a 12th-place finish.
Despite the fact that many would say it is far from his strong suit of racing, Martin does boasts top-six finishes in four of the last six Daytona 500s. In the two where he did not, he lost an engine on lap seven in 2004 - in what may have been his stoutest 500 car to date - and the 12th -place finish in 2006 where he lead 19 laps.
However, Martin knows that history and streaks mean little in the world of NASCAR racing.
"We have had a couple of really good runs in the past couple of years," said Martin. "Obviously last season is something that I'll never forget. We had a new team and it was a new car and we went into that race and gave it all we had. I'm still sorry that I came up just a little short for that team and all of the soldiers out there that we represent on that U.S. Army Car."
"However, the truth is there isn't anything different that I could have done," added Martin. "I did what I could and played the hand that was there. We actually were in really good shape there on the last lap.
"I knew the top line was coming, but I had the fastest car in the race right behind me (the No. 5 of Kyle Busch) and he was pretty much locked into pushing me. I really liked our chances there for a second, but when Kyle spun out I lost my pusher and it was just a race to the end. We came up a little short on result, but I'm telling you the effort was there for sure."
While he has yet to win a points race at Daytona, Martin has visited victory lane four times at the famous speedway, twice in the International Race of Champions Series, once in the Craftsman Truck Series and once in the all-star Budweiser Shootout. He would love nothing more than to add to that list of appearances this Sunday, when he makes his regular season debut in the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt Inc. The run will be Martin's 24th start in the Daytona 500.
"Of course it would mean a lot," said Martin. "We have a strong car for the race on Sunday and I'm excited about going into this week with Tony Gibson and this U.S. Army Team. But a lot has to come together just to be in that kind of position at the end of the race. I do think that we have a good enough car to compete and I'm excited about what he have going on with at the No. 8 car. We are just going to go in there and give it all we have and see what happens."
Mark Martin Race Preview - Daytona 500
DEI
February 10, 2008After coming up inches short of victory in last year's Daytona 500, Mark Martin heads into the 2008 season and this year's Daytona Speedweeks with an all new team, number and outlook, as the veteran looks for his first Daytona 500 trophy in his 24th start in the great American Race.
TAKING OVER THE NO. 8
Martin will take the wheel of Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s flagship No. 8 Chevrolet this season. Martin, who drove the No. 01 car last season and the No. 6 car for the previous 19 seasons, will start fresh with an impressive team, headed up by crew chief Tony Gibson. Martin will share the No. 8 U.S. Army car with rookie Aric Almirola.
MARTIN STRONG IN RECENT DAYTONA 500s
Martin has actually posted two of his strongest Daytona 500 outings in his previous two 500 starts. Martin has led a combined 45 laps in his past two Daytona 500s, including 26 in last season's controversial second-place finish and 19 in 2006.
MARTIN'S HISTORY IN THE DAYTONA 500
Martin came just inches from his first Daytona 500 victory last season, getting edged at the line by Kevin Harvick in one of the most controversial finishes in NASCAR history. Martin will look to close the deal this season in his 24th start in the Daytona 500. It will be the 50th running of the Great American race. Martin's second-place finish a year ago is his best in the Daytona 500. Martin finished 31st his Daytona 500 debut on February 14, 1982.
MARTIN AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Despite the close finish last season, Martin, a resident of Daytona Beach, has never won a NASCAR Cup point race at Daytona. He did win the Budweiser Shootout in 1999 and the Craftsman Truck event in 2006. In addition, Martin boasts two wins in the IROC series at Daytona (2003 and 2005.)
RECORD-EXTENDING STREAK IN THE BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT
Martin finished eighth in his record-extending 20th consecutive start in this season's Budweiser Shootout. Martin won the all-star event in 1999. It will be his 21st overall start, dating back to 1982 when he started his first Shootout, then called the Busch Clash.
MARTIN'S 2008 SCHEDULE
Martin will pilot the U.S. Army No. 8 car in 26 races this year, including 24 point events. Aric Almirola will drive the car in the remaining 12 races. In addition, Martin will drive the No. 5 Hendrick Busch entry in five events this season.
QUOTING MARK
"We are really excited about moving into this season. It's really an honor to be driving that No. 8 car for Dale Earnhardt Inc. I raced Dale Earnhardt in the No. 8 Busch car that was owned by Dale and Teresa back in the early '80s, and it's hard to believe I am driving the No. 8 car for DEI all these years later. I had a lot of battles with Dale Earnhardt over the years and we both respected each other a great deal and it's really awesome to be driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in that No. 8 car this season."
"I'm also excited about this No. 8 U.S. Army Team. Tony Gibson and these guys have great cars and they are fun to work with. We had some really good test sessions in the off-season and we are excited about getting down to Daytona and doing it for real. Hopefully we can go back down there and finish the job that we almost accomplished last season. I know that nothing would be better than to get a win in the No. 8 U.S. Army car in the Great American race for not only Dale Earnhardt Inc., but for all the soldiers that we represent with that car each week."
"We had a really good horse in the Shootout, and I think that we'll get even better as the race goes on and it gets a little slicker out there on the track. These COT cars are a lot different than what we are used to racing the past several years, so its going to take some time for everyone to really get used to them. They require a lot more give and take and it should make for some interesting racing in the 150s and the Daytona 500."
MARK MARTIN STATISTICS
Speedweeks marks Martin's debut in the No. 8 DEI Chevrolet.
Martin has won twice in the IROC series at Daytona, once in the Bud Shootout ('98) and once in the Craftsman Truck ('06).
Martin came just inches short of winning the Daytona 500 last season.
Martin has led 45 laps in his last two Daytona 500 starts.
Martin finished eighth in his his record 20th-consecutive start in the Budweiser Shootout on Saturday.
This will be Martin's 24th start in the Daytona 500 and his 46th Cup start at DIS.
Martin will make 26 Cup starts this season, including the Bud Shootout and Sprint All-Star.
Martin is scheduled to make his 700th Cup start on February 24 at California Speedway.
Mark Martin Race Report - Budweiser Shootout
Making His No. 8 Debut, Martin finishes eighth in Budweiser Shootout
DEI
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2008) -- Mark Martin finished eighth in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout after picking up four positions in the final three laps. It was Martin's 20th consecutive start and 21st overall in the all-star event, which also marked his debut with the No. 8 on his U.S. Army Chevrolet.
"We had a really good horse out there tonight," said Martin. "We had a lot of power with the Earnhardt/Childress engine package and were able to do some things on the track. I know it was only an eighth-place finish, but it was a lot stronger run than that."
"I wouldn't be nervous at all if we were using this car in the Daytona 500 next week," added Martin. "But the U.S. Army Chevy we have for next week is a little stronger than this one. Hopefully we can come out and go after that Daytona 500 win for our soldiers."
Martin, who started the 70-lap race at Daytona International Speedway from outside of the front row,flexed his muscle early by moving into the lead on Lap 4. He was eventually shuffled back through the field, but patiently positioned himself inside the top 10.
Martin moved into the top five with 60 laps to go, but lost his position when Denny Hamlin was able to get on the outside and pass him. Martin dropped as far back as 12th before picking up steam in the closing laps. "We actually had a top-two or top-three car," said No. 8 crew chief Tony Gibson. "Mark did a great job. We can't wait to come back next week and see what we can do in a longer race, which suits Mark's style."
Mark Martin Post Race Notes and Quotes - Budweiser Shootout
GM Racing
February 9, 2008MARK MARTIN, NO. 01 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS, FINISHED 8TH:
"I'm doing good. I know we only finished eighth, but it was really a strong horse. I'm thrilled with my Earnhardt/Childress engine program. They've really stepped it up since the test. That's a strong horse. I think we can give those U.S. Army soldiers something to cheer about on Sunday. I look forward to the Daytona 500. I love working with these guys. It was fun out there. It wasn't as crazy as I thought it was going to be. It was fun."
Mark Martin Practice Quotes - Daytona Shootout
GM Racing
February 8, 2008MARK MARTIN, NO. 01 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS:
"The car isn't too bad, we are done with practice but it isn't too bad. Expect to see more of that, especially tomorrow night. A lot of guys haven't driven cars like this at Daytona; it is going to take to a while to get through their heads that they have to be more conservative. I told my guys that I am glad they could fix this car because that means after tomorrow night, it means we will only have one wrecked race car, not two.
"I couldn't see what happen, but I saw a car spinning down and I knew he was going to come up the race track. I knew the best thing I could do was hurry and try to get past him. I thought I got caught by the car coming up the track, but evidently it was Carl (Edwards) trying to get through to avoid the No. 12. He just got me and spun me. So I didn't hit anything. There is a little damage, but no enough to worry about. The car handled good; I am fine with not practicing anymore. It is going to be a wild Speedweeks I am going to tell you. It is going to be wild."
Mark Martin Race Preview - Bud Shootout
Veteran driver set to make No. 8 debut in 30th annual running of Bud Shootout
DEI
February 8, 2008MARTIN REVS UP FOR RECORD-EXTENDING 20th - CONSECUTIVE BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2008) -- Mark Martin's appearance in Saturday night's (Feb. 9) Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway will be his record-extending 20th consecutive start in the all-star event and his 21st overall. The race will also mark his debut in the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet.
"I've always really enjoyed the Bud Shootout," said Martin. "It's one of those deals where points aren't a factor and second place doesn't mean a whole lot. I've had a lot of fun racing in the Shootout over the years. We were able to hang on and win it in 1999, and we've had some pretty good outings in other years."
"It's always a good race to gear up for the (Daytona) 500 and get used to any changes you have on your team from the previous season," continued Martin. "This will be my first race with Tony Gibson and the No. 8 guys and I'm pretty excited to get on the track and see what we can do together. I can't think of a better way to kick it off for the No. 8 U.S. Army team than to get a win in the Shootout and build some momentum heading into the 500."
Martin's first Shootout -- Feb. 7, 1982 -- had historical significance for the long-running NASCAR all-star race. The Batesville, Ark. native became the first rookie to qualify for the event after winning his first Cup pole in only his third career start on July 11, 1981 at Nashville International Raceway. Martin would go on to capture two poles in 1981, despite running only five races. He finished eighth in the 1982 Shootout (then called the Busch Clash) behind the wheel of the No. 02 Buick.
Martin has amassed 41 career poles -- a large reason for his 20 Shootout starts. He'll start this year's Shootout via a former winner's provisional, a right he earned when he held off Ken Schrader to win the 1999 event.
After the 1982 Clash, Martin did not compete in the event again until 1989, but the veteran driver has not missed the event since. In 20 starts in the Budweiser Shootout Martin has an average finish of 7.5. He finished sixth in the event a year ago.
"We worked really hard in the off season," added Martin. "Now it's time to get out on the track and see what we have. We know that we still have a lot of work cut out for us on this No. 8 team, but I'm confident in Tony (Gibson) and this U.S. Army Team and I think we can get the job done this season and hopefully go out and compete to win races."
Mark Martin Media Visit - Daytona
GM Racing
February 7, 2008MARK MARTIN, NO. 8 U.S. ARMY IMPALA SS met with media and talked about his second place Daytona 500 finish, his part-time schedule, his workout routine, and more:
FROM A SPONSOR'S PERSPECTIVE, ARE THE DEMANDS OR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ARMY ANY DIFFERENT THAN MAYBE PFIZER OR VALVOLINE, SPONSORS YOU'VE WORKED WITH IN THE PAST?
"You know, each sponsor that I've worked with has been a little bit different as far as what they want and what they need, but you know it's really been a joy for me. The things that I've done for them have been things that I have been really proud to be a part of and really enjoyed. Of course 2007 was by far the best year of my lifetime; best sponsor experience as well as everything else. 2007's tops and Army was a part of that."
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO COME BACK HERE? DO YOU HAVE AN EXTRA SPRING IN YOUR STEP KNOWING YOU WERE SO CLOSE TO WINNING IT?
"Absolutely no difference. None. You know what I am saying; there is no difference in my step or anything else. I was very proud of the effort that my team made last year but that was last year you know, and I drove the race of my life last year and I'm also proud of that and beyond that to me it's like it never happened. Just like all the wins to me, it feels like they never happened and I would be the same person had they not have happened. My life doesn't revolve around the past. It mostly revolves around the future. I've always focused forward not much look back."
SPEAKING OF THE FUTURE, NOW THAT YOU ARE ON THE PART-TIME PLAN, HAVE YOU GIVEN SERIOUS THOUGHT TO HOW MUCH LONGER YOU GOING TO KEEP DOING THIS?
"Yeah, don't think I haven't thought about it. I'm a planner. I planned on it for five years and it wound up being six instead of five but you know the circumstances around it. You know being in the No. 6 car in '06 I hadn't planned on doing that. It's not forever. What I'm doing now is not forever, that's for sure. It's limited as well and it's limited for multiple reasons. One is I don't really think it's practical for me to try to do for another seven years or probably even another five years. It's limited, but I do have '09 basically in place."
SO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE PROBABLY GOOD FOR '09?
Mark Martin: Well, I have '09 in place; I mean we have '09 in place. All but sorting out the details. I actually have a long-term agreement with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated just as I had with Ginn although it didn't transfer when we made the change. We did a new contract with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated that was long-term which includes my racing in Cup again in '09 and sort of unspecified for the next three years after that.
WHAT'S YOUR NON-CUP PROGRAM?
"Five races with Rick Hendrick and JR Motorsports, so ironically I work for Teresa, Dale Jr., and Rick Hendrick. So I'm still crossing the lines. Not as quite as dramatically as last year but still crossing lines again this year to some degree."
DOING ANY TRUCKS?
"Not any trucks right now. I'd worked real hard on trying to put together trucks and it is an incredibly tough business model and we just weren't able to do it. I've looked at it real hard especially with trying to get involved, and actually becoming part owner in David Dollar's program. Might happen in the future, but we just you know, we really had to prioritize things and a number one priority was the No. 8 and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Aric Almirola and Regan Smith. That's really where my heart is and where my priorities are and we are going to have some fun in the Busch car and who knows where that goes. But I have enormous respect for Dale Jr. and I'm really proud to be a part of that cooperative effort between Hendrick and Jr. and being a part of that shop and Tony Eury, Sr. and Chad Walters as crew chief obviously. Junior is going to drive the same car as I do and so I did the first test at Vegas. So I feel like I'm working and helping you know get things sort of in order for Junior. You know we're working we're going to work together obviously but doing some cool stuff, still really cool stuff."
CAN YOU TELL A DIFFERENCE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY OR SPIRITUALLY OR HOWEVER YOU WANT TO SAY IT IN YOUR BODY AND YOUR PERSONALITY NOW THAT YOU'VE GONE TO A PART-TIME SCHEDULE?
"Absolutely. Number one let's talk about physically. I am by far in the best shape of my life today -- by far. Just short of incredible condition right now and I love it. I was just talking coming in this morning, I'm as happy as I could be walking in here. If I were doing the full schedule I'd be walking in here with a snarl on my face. I've done this so many times and this wouldn't be what I would want to be doing, but because I'm doing what I want to do. I want to be here, I want to be a part of this and that's how I've addressed everything. That's one of the things that made 2007 one of the greatest years of my life. To have the opportunity to not only represent U.S. Army but the No. 8 car and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, it's really special to me. You know it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with that company and to work on bringing along Aric and seeing Regan reach his full potential and be a part of that organization and the legacy. 2008 is going to be I hope another one. I expect to be able to say that 2008 was the greatest year of my life. 2007 obviously is today and I'm a brand new person because I'm not doing anything that I don't want to do -- nothing. And I did a lot of that for a long, long time. A lot of stuff that I didn't want to do and I did those for my career, for Roush Racing and for my career, the things that we had to do and now I only do the things that I want to do."
ON THE NEW RACE CAR
"You know, I think we are making great progress with the new car and the handling department and all and the more we race it the better we'll make the car."
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE OLD CAR?
"Well, technically the car is a giant step backwards from the old car, technically. So we have made great strides in bringing that back and getting a lot of that back in this new car."
TALK ABOUT BEING IN THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE. ARE YOU TRAINING DIFFERENTLY NOW THAN YOU DID? ARE YOU FINDING YOU HAVE TO TRAIN DIFFERENTLY?
"One thing is, I'm training at about 45 minutes later in the day, instead of at 5:30 -- I'm a little bit after 6:00. That's helped a lot. I have more time. I don't have quite the same deadline so I'm doing more stretching. I have more time to plan and be more diligent on the way I eat and the nutrition program. But I think the stretching has done an awful lot for me and a little less pressed on time gives me an opportunity to vary my workouts more. In other words, before I just had to do it and get it done and I did the same thing every time and hurry up, hurry up and now I am doing a better job putting variety into my program. So instead of forcing through 45 minutes I may be using an hour and ten or fifteen, you know adding a lot of stretching. When you get older it becomes really important. I've lifted weights for 20 years. I should have been doing it a long time ago. It really makes me feel a lot better."
DO YOU DO MORE REPS BECAUSE YOU HAVE MORE TIME?
"No, I change it around a lot more, no. I'm doing basically the same workload as I was doing before but I'm shocking and surprising."
ON LAST YEAR'S DAYTONA 500
"I don't replay it. I don't think about it much. I don't replay it in my mind. That's behind us. I'll say again, I've said it a hundred times or a hundred thousand times I'm very proud of the effort that my team made last year. I also am very proud of the fact that I drove the race of my life last year. And so, that's that."
BUT YOU SAID NOTHING CHANGED AFTER COMING SO CLOSE. WOULD A WIN CHANGE WOULD IT CHANGE YOUR CAREER, CHANGE ANYTHING?
"I went home after that race, after I got done with all that stuff. I went home, I took a shower and I did the same thing I do after every race. Now I have won a few races and I did the same thing that night as I did after the races I won or the races that I crashed - crash and burn. So, no I mean the only thing different was you could write Daytona 500 Champion Mark Martin and now you can't write anything but Mark Martin. You know what I'm saying -- you could, that would change because you would be able to say that well that's how everything you write about me might read, but beyond that I mean, I don't know I'm not a look back and you know I'm very proud -- I'll say again I'm very proud of the effort, very proud of the race I drove. I believe in my heart that I drove the race of my life and I don't know if I've got more than that in me or if I could ever do that, you know I don't know and I'm not worried about it."
THEN THAT'S A GREAT FEELING?
"That's a great feeling. I'm very proud of what we did last year. I wish we would have won, but winning that race wouldn't change who I am and it really wouldn't change my world that much. Just like winning the other races that I have won in my career really haven't changed things that much either. I'm proud of the one's we've won, I'm disappointed at all the ones that got away that we should have won but didn't and that Daytona 500 is not one of those that got away. It's not one of those we should have won and didn't it's one we could have won and didn't.
Mark Martin steps into No. 8 Chevrolet for DEI this season
By Mike Harris
AP Auto Racing Writer
February 7, 2008DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- History is important to Mark Martin, and stepping into the No. 8 Chevrolet has gained added significance for the longtime NASCAR star.
After Dale Earnhardt Jr. decided in May to leave the family team to join Hendrick Motorsports this season, DEI announced Martin would share the No. 8 with rookie Aric Almirola in 2008.
"When I think about driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and the No. 8, the first picture that comes into my mind is the mid-1980s, Dale Earnhardt driving the No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Late Model Sportsman owned by him and Teresa Earnhardt," Martin said.
"Dale was a fierce competitor and he gave me some driving lesson in that race car, with his hands and with his bumper. So, heck yeah, it has significance. I'm very proud to be a part of that organization."
Ironically, becoming part of DEI was not in Martin's master plan.
After spending 18 years driving for Jack Roush, Martin wanted to cut back to a part-time schedule in 2007. Roush needed only full-time drivers, so his longtime employee and friend wound up at Ginn Racing, driving Chevys instead of Fords. Then Ginn Racing was absorbed by DEI.
"Dale and I were not good friends," Martin said Thursday during the annual media day at Daytona International Speedway. "We were great competitors and we got along well. We had tremendous respect for one another. We didn't go out to dinner together, but we had great respect, and I feel that I give that respect back to the company that he built."
Earnhardt Jr., who decided to leave the team after some difficult and often bitter negotiations with the current owner, his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, said Friday he still has great affection for DEI and the No. 8 that he left behind at the end of 2007.
"It's just a part of my life and I'll always appreciate that," Junior said. "I've got all those memories, whether they be on video or film and I look at them all the time."
Earnhardt said he couldn't think of a better driver to replace him in the No. 8.
"I'm a Mark Martin fan from when he was racing the No. 2 back in Nashville," Earnhardt said. "I remember when he came over to my dad's house with a couple of tapes from his races in Nashville and played them on a Beta VCR. We watched those races and he was trying his hardest to show my dad how good a race car driver he was. He was trying hard to get a good ride.
"So, you talk about history, that's ambition for you. Mark had a long, long way to get there and I can appreciate that. He's earned it."
Almirola also will drive No. 8 this year, and said he can hardly believe it.
"Man, it means the world to me," he said. "It's an opportunity of a lifetime. I never dreamed it would work out this way, but when I made the decision to leave Joe Gibbs Racing, it was solely based on the fact that I was going to be teammates with Mark Martin. Then the merger come about with DEI and it kind of caught me off guard.
"I'm more excited about this year than I've ever been. There's a lot of history there with the No. 8 and with DEI company. I'm just looking to make the best of the season and learn as much as I can from Mark Martin."
With all his experience, Martin loves the idea of being a mentor to young drivers.
"I answer their questions and, from time to time, I talk to them about history," said Martin, who split time with rookie Regan Smith last year. "I think it's very important and I set an example for them, which is more important. They watch, observe and I think that's more important than anything."
Almirola appreciates the knowledge he can glean from Martin.
"I think the biggest thing about Mark Martin is that he's always accessible," he said. "I don't think I've called him and him not answer the phone or call me back within 10 minutes. At any given point, at any time, I can always pick up the phone and call him, ask him for advice, tell him how my day's going, tell him I miss his voice, whatever. He's always there to listen, talk and help me with whatever I need help with."
The 49-year-old Martin, who nearly won the Daytona 500 last year, is happy to be racing on his own terms.
"Last year was the best year of my entire life, and I'm even more excited about 2008," said Martin, grinning. I'm going to run 26 (Sprint Cup) races, exactly the same schedule as last year. And I'm doing five Busch races for Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. It's a real pleasure. I have great respect for Dale Jr."
As for his future, Martin shrugged.
"I'm gonna do it in 09, that I know," he said. "I don't know about beyond, but I'm going to enjoy driving that 8 car while I can."
