See Also: Mark Martin Biography
June 26, 2007
Martin visits the Pentagon and Walter Reed: Mark Martin spent two days last week in the nation’s capital as a guest of the United States Army, his primary sponsor in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The Washington D.C. trip included stops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet with wounded soldiers, a tour of the Pentagon and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he, his wife Arlene and son Matt had the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “It was just an awesome experience all around,” said Martin. “I’ve been involved in a lot of sponsorships in my career, but this one with the U.S. Army is very special. It’s an honor to drive the car for the Soldiers and it’s an honor to get to do things like this." “Visiting the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed was an experience that I’ll never forget,” added Martin. “They are truly an inspiration to me. They have given so much and yet are so positive and upbeat. They have the best attitudes that you can imagine and when you see it you have a new found respect for everyone involved in the fight for freedom. I was there to visit them, but it was those guys who inspired me.” Martin and his family were also inspired following a private tour of the Pentagon. (Ginn Racing)
June 15, 2007
Martin has no intentions running full-time: Still, Martin said even if he could make the Chase, NASCAR's playoff format that determines the series champion, he will not change his schedule. "Nah, I'm good, I'm set," Martin said. "I don't even want to (run for the title). So if I was leading (the points), like I was when I missed my first race, I still wouldn't. I don't want to." Martin was asked what he likes most about his part-time schedule. "Being off," said Martin, who drives for Ginn Racing. (Detroit News)
June 14, 2007
Mark Martin likeability among the top in motorsports: According to the research firm Marketing Evaluations, Mark Martin received the third highest Q score in Motorsports. The scale that rates likeability had Martin behind only Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jeff Gordon in NASCAR and tied with Danica Patrick in all of motorsports. According to the firm, hundreds of millions in advertising decisions are based on the Q score franchise. (Ginn Racing PR)
Martin Honoring the Army: The Army will celebrate its 232nd Birthday this weekend at Michigan. Martin will take part in a pre-race ceremony to honor the event.(Ginn Racing PR)
June 10, 2006:
Martin denies Internet Rumor: Mark Martin said Friday he has no interest in buying Robert Yates Racing, as was reported on an Internet web site earlier this week. “I don’t know where that came from,” Martin said. “There haven’t been any discussions about it. I learned last year to never say ‘never.’ And I have said never would I own one of these teams. At the same time, would I think about it? I don’t know. I can tell you this much: There has been no discussion or no thought from me at all … that’s not on my radar screen.” (Speedtv)
May 21, 2006:
Martin back in 2007 to race All-Star Challenge: Though he plans to retire from Nextel cup competition after this season, 2005 Challenge champion Mark Martin said he plans to participate in next year's Challenge. (USA Today)
May 20, 2006:
Martin to unveil new rap video: When it comes to musical taste, not many people know that Mark Martin, driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, is a big fan of rap music. Yes, that's right, rap. When he's not piloting the No. 6 Ford Fusion for Roush Racing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, Martin is listening to beats that fill the Billboard charts. With this knowledge, the owners of Round House Multimedia set out to produce what would ultimately become the official Mark Martin rap anthem, "Start Your Engines". Derrick Garrett and Kevin Dent, owners of Round House Multimedia, contacted Sam Belnavis, Chief Diversity Officer and Owner Designate for the Craftsman Truck Series for Roush Racing, with the idea back in December 2005 in an effort to help build the diversity bridge. "Rap is a universal language among the music population and Mark's anthem will certainly add to the popularity of the music," said Dent. The project has now evolved into a two minute and 39 second song covering Martin's career dating back to the start of his career in Arkansas through the present time. With 35 NEXTEL Cup, 47 Busch and three Truck Series wins to date in addition to a record five IROC championships, recording artist Budda Early has plenty to rap about. Martin also maintains the record of most consecutive starts in the Cup series, currently at 591. "Mark and I go back a long time," said Belnavis. "He was the first driver to drive the Miller High Life Gold race car during my Miller days. It's an honor to present Mark with his own anthem that will further immortalize his contributions to our sport." As for Martin, he can't believe his career has been converted into a product that he enjoys. "I consider it an honor that there are people in the rap music industry that feel I am deserving of my own rap anthem." Martin continued, "The song sounds great and I hope all my fans enjoy listening to it as much as I do." The Mark Martin rap anthem will debut during the NEXTEL All-Star weekend (Martin won the 2005 event). For further information, and to hear a clip of the song, on the "Start Your Engines" please visit www.RoushRacing.com. To purchase a copy of the song, please visit the official Roush Racing gift shop located in Concord, N.C. or the official Mark Martin trackside merchandise trailer. (Roush Racing PR)
April 19, 2006:
Martin denies part-time Cup rumors: Mark Martin, who was at Lowe’s Motor Speedway to help promote the upcoming NASCAR All-Star race at the 1.5-mile track, said Tuesday that he has no plans to run a partial Nextel Cup schedule in 2007 and that he’d likely only drive a Cup car if a Roush Racing teammate is injured and unable to drive. “I’ve got to be careful about saying ‘never,’ but there may be a situation where I fill-in or whatever,” said Martin. “I’m just not going to say it couldn’t happen. … There is some wiggle room and I just can’t say ‘never,’ but there’s no plans.” (SPEEDTV.com)
April 13, 2006:
Martin museum to open this weekend: Mark Martin will hold the grand opening for his all new Ford dealership, Mark Martin Ford-Mercury, and museum this weekend (Friday and Saturday) in Batesville, Arkansas. The dealership and museum officially opened on Feb. 27th. The grand opening is being officially presented by Coke. In addition to the normal artifacts on display in the museum, other items of interest that will be on display at this weekend’s grand opening are the Nextel Experience that travels to each NASCAR Nextel Cup race, The winning Scotts Ford F-150 from the Daytona Truck race direct from Victory Lane, the #6 AAA Nextel Cup Ford Fusion, AAA simulators where fans can race each other, the AAA booth and tent display and Coca-Cola booths as well. Martin’s #6 Ameriquest Busch car and hauler will also be on display and there will be live remotes with radio stations as well. The state-of-the art museum features several of Martin’s past cars, including the #6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600 win car, the ’90 Folgers Thunderbird, the #60 Win Dixie Busch car, Martin’s 2005 IROC car that he used to win his record fifth championship, and the ’89 Strohs Thunderbird. Each car is a part of a display that includes hi-tech mantrons that tell the story of each piece of history. (Roush Racing)
March 29, 2006:
Mark Martin Adds Seven More NASCAR Truck Series Races
Feb. 26, 2006:
Martin to open dealership and museum Monday: Roush Racing’s Mark Martin will open his all new Ford dealership, Mark Martin Ford-Mercury, and museum on Monday, Feb. 27th in Batesville, Arkansas. Martin started construction on the state of the art facility over a year ago and is pleased with the fruition of his work. “It’s just an awesome thing to be able to bring back all of these cars and trophies to the place where it all started and the place that I consider ‘home,’ said Martin. “We have a lot of stuff on display at the museum and I hope that all of the fans will get a chance to come out and share in all of the memories with us. “Growing up I couldn’t wait to get out of Batesville and go out and see what I could do,” added Martin. “I went off seeking my fame and fortune and I was fortunate to work with a lot of great people and have a lot of success. Now it’s time to bring all of that back home where it belongs to Batesville.” The state-of-the art museum features several of Martin’s past cars, including the No. 6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600 win car, the ’90 Folgers Thunderbird, the No. 60 Win Dixie Busch car, Martin’s 2005 IROC car that he used to win his record fifth championship, and the ’89 Strohs Thunderbird. Each car is a part of a display that includes hi-tech mantrons that tell the story of each piece of history. The museum also has on display a variety of other memorabilia, including several of Martin’s past race helmets and historic firesuits. There are also several personal photo books on display that chronicle Martin’s early success, as well as thousands of pictures and newspaper articles that show Martin shows Martins climb from local dirt track sensation to NASCAR legend. “We really wanted to do something that we could share with the fans and the people of Batesville,” said Martin. “It’s been a long road and it’s been a lot of fun and we really wanted to put all of that on display. “We could have put the dealership anywhere,” added Martin. “But I wanted to bring all of it home. It means a lot to me and I’m excited to share what I’ve been lucky enough to experience with everyone.” (Roush Racing PR)
Jan. 6, 2006:
Martin to appear in AAA teen PSAs: Jack Roush will join AAA officials in previewing its new 2006 NEXTEL Cup race car sponsorship in Detroit's Cobo Center, at the AAA Motorsports exhibit in Michigan Hall in the lower level on Tuesday, January 10th. AAA has signed a contract with Roush Racing to sponsor the #6 Ford Fusion, driven by Mark Martin, at NEXTEL Cup Series races in 2006. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the #6 AAA Ford racecar will be on display, as well as a racing simulator for media members to test their driving skills in a virtual experience of roaring around the track at over 200 miles per hour. In addition to announcing the new AAA-Roush sponsorship, AAA officials will discuss the Auto Club's plans to advocate for improved teen driver safety and will preview a series of public service announcements featuring Mark Martin. (GMR PR)
Oct. 27, 2005:
AAA to sponsor Martin in 2006: AAA will become the primary sponsor of Roush Racing’s flagship No. 6 Nextel Cup Ford starting in 2006. In addition, veteran driver Mark Martin will extend his ‘Salute To You’ Tour and return to pilot the car for one more year in 2006, with Todd Kluever set to take over the reigns from Martin in 2007, Roush Racing announced today. In 2006, Martin will drive the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion and then give way to Kluever in 2007. During the 2005 Nextel Cup Series, the AAA Auto Club Group was a primary sponsor of Carl Edwards’ No. 99 car. This experience gave AAA valuable first-hand knowledge of the benefits of participating in NASCAR with the Roush Racing team “I’m very excited to work with AAA,” said Kluever. “It’s great to see them move into a full-time sponsorship with Mark and the No. 6 car next year and then with me in 2007. It’s a dream come true for me and it’s great to have people here at Roush Racing and AAA that believe in me and I’m very excited about the opportunity. “I consider the No. 6 car to be one of the top-five most legendary cars in NASCAR history. I don’t think that anybody will be able to replace Mark Martin. He has big shoes to fill, but I’ll do my best to try. It’s just very exciting to be in that No. 6 car and to be partnered with a great organization like AAA.” Kluever won Roush Racing’s famed ‘Gong Show’ in 2004. He is currently amongst his first year of racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he is 14th in the points. Kluever has posted six top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 20 races during his rookie season. (Roush Racing PR)
Oct. 22, 2005:
Martin wrecks in final practice goes to back-up: Mark Martin, driver of the No. 6 Viagra Taurus, was involved in a practice accident and will be forced to a back-up for tomorrow's race. Martin, who qualified 35th, will have to drop all the way to the rear of the field. "I just got high to let the 09 go by me and then it just went straight coming off the corner like a right-front went down and then I hit the wall. Then when I hit the wall I broke a brake rotor and didn't have any brakes, so I couldn't get it stopped." (Ford Racing PR - Final Speeds)
Oct. 10, 2005:
Tryson Wins Crew Chief of the Race Award at Kansas: Pat Tryson's decision to service the No. 6 Viagra Ford with two tires during the early stages of the Banquet 400 paid dividends. His strategy put Mark Martin up front long enough to lead more than half of the event before he beat teammate Greg Biffle to the checkered flag. Not only did Tryson bring his team a win, but his efforts earned him the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. After starting in 19th place, Tryson improved Martin's track position with a two-tire stop on an early round of pit stops. The move catapulted Martin to the front of the pack, where he stayed for the rest of the day. "It was early enough in the race for us to take two tires and see how they did," said Tryson. "We didn't have a lot of laps on our left-sides and it was a good opportunity for us to do it. I'm surprised more teams didn't try the same thing, but I'm glad they didn't." The panel of voters, including Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star, a Wypall Wipers representative and Tony Eury Sr., all voted for Tryson as the crew chief that did the best job. Doug Richert leads the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year standings with five wins. Alan Gustafson and Greg Zipadelli are tied for second-place with three wins. Bob Osborne, Jimmy Fennig, Robbie Reiser and Robbie Loomis are tied for third-place with two wins. Tommy Baldwin, Scott Miller, Fatback McSwain, Steve Hmiel, Greg Erwin, Slugger Labbe, Chad Knaus, Pat Tryson and Pete Rondeau are tied for fourth place, each with one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000. Fans can also vote for their choice at wypall.com. (SMC 500)
Oct. 9, 2005:
Martin car #6 drivers to easy victory: Mark Martin bounced back from a costly crash with a dominating victory Sunday at Kansas Speedway, keeping the veteran racer's slim championship hopes alive. But to get the 35th victory of his career and stay in the hunt for the Nextel Cup, Martin had to hold off his teammates. A lot of them. Martin and teammate Greg Biffle led Roush Racing's sweep of the top three spots, and Roush cars took four of the top five. It was the 46-year-old Martin's first since Dover in June 2004. But the last laugh might belong to Tony Stewart, who finished fourth and extended his Chase lead from four points to 75. It was Stewart's 15th top 10-finish in the last 16 races Biffle, another of the 10 drivers in the 10-race Chase, passed Stewart for second place 30 laps from the end of the 267-lap Banquet 400 and went after Martin, cutting a lead of about 20 car-lengths to less than half of that. (TSN - Results - Points)
Sep. 25, 2005:
Martin to Continue wit '06 truck plans: Mark Martin's future is finally coming into focus and that includes another stint behind the wheel of the No. 6 Roush Racing Ford. The 46-year-old driver started the 2005 season thinking this would be his last year as a full-time Nextel Cup driver. Those plans changed in midstream when car owner Jack Roush signed Jamie McMurray to fill Martin's position. There was only one hitch. McMurray won't drive the No. 6 until 2007. Chip Ganassi keeps saying he will hold McMurray to his driving contract, which expires at the end of the 2006 season. Since the beginning of summer, Roush has been chasing Martin to stay put for one more campaign. Martin, who calls Daytona Beach home, said he will continue with his grand scheme to form a full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team under the Roush Racing umbrella. He plans to make his debut run in the truck at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November. "The first truck is finished," he reported last week. "I sat in it on Monday." (Daytona News-Journal)
Sep. 22, 2005:
Martin, Batman Forever Show car stolen: A top NASCAR racer had one of his cars stolen during a trip through Central Ohio. Someone stole Mark Martin's No. 6 car and it hasn't been seen since, NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported. Early Saturday, at a Holiday Inn in Pickerington, a stock car worth $250,000 was stolen. Martin's batman car was inside a racing trailer when someone stole the Ford F-150 and the trailer hitched to it. Police said the thieves may not have even known that the racing car was inside. "Unless you're a race fan, or a race car driver, you wouldn't have any purpose for this, and the trailer isn't marked, so they could have just been stealing the truck and the trailer, not even knowing the car was in there," said Cmdr. Steve Annette, of Pickerington police. (NBC4i)
Sep. 9, 2005
Martin to be in #6 car in 2006: The only thing that brought a frown to Mark Martin's face after his victory in the International Race of Champions event was a question about his future. Martin has said this would be his final season in Jack Roush's No. 6 Cup car, and a reporter asked him if he still might consider racing in IROC again next year if invited to take part in the four-race all-star series as the defending champion. The 46-year-old Martin acknowledged that was a possibility, then added, "It really looks like I'm going to be in the 6 car next year. It's looking more and more like that all the time." Martin beat Kurt Busch, his teammate at Roush Racing and the reigning Nextel Cup champion, by 2 feet on Thursday night. Shortly after, he was informed all he needs to do to wrap up his fifth IROC championship -- breaking a tie for the record with the late Dale Earnhardt -- is start the final race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 29. Martin said he had planned to spend next season driving a handful of Busch Series races, as well as racing for his own new team in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series. But things got complicated recently when team owner Jack Roush signed Jamie McMurray away from Chip Ganassi Racing. (Orlando Sentinel)
Martin Wins IROC race at Richmond: Kurt Busch dominated Round Three of the Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) at Richmond International Raceway on Thursday night, but it was Mark Martin – aided by three cautions in the final five laps – that provided him with enough to edge out Busch in one of the closest finishes in the series’ 115-race history. On a restart with two laps remaining, Busch, the 2003 IROC titlist, tried valiantly to hold his Roush Racing teammate, before Martin coaxed the nose of his IROC car through the start/finish line a mere .021 seconds ahead of him. Martin’s series’ best 13th-career victory clinches the 2005 series points title when he starts the last race of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 29, giving him a record-breaking fifth IROC Series crown and the $1 million first-place purse. Matt Kenseth, who started in the eighth position and was in the middle of the pack for much of the race, made a late charge to finish third. IRL IndyCar driver Buddy Rice turned in a strong performance and claimed fourth, followed by NASCAR Busch Series driver Martin Truex Jr. Pole-sitter Scott Pruett rebounded from on track incidents in the first two races registering a solid sixth, followed by World of Outlaws drivers Danny Lasoski (seventh) and Steve Kinser (eighth). Rounding out positions nine through 12 were: Max Papis, Sebastien Bourdais, Helio Castroneves, and Bobby Hamilton. (IROC PR)
Aug 17, 2005
Wallace and Martin to be honored at Michigan: When the green flag drops for the GFS Marketplace 400 on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, two drivers who have accomplished so much on the 2-mile oval, Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin, will be saying their final good-byes and racing in their final NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races at MIS. Wallace and Martin are no strangers to success at MIS with a combined 15 victories between the two of them. Wallace has seven wins (5 Cup, 1 IROC, 1 ASA) and Martin eight (4 Cup, 2 Busch, 1 IROC, 1 ASA) at MIS, making them two of the most successful drivers in track history. Both drivers will be looking for one last victory at MIS in Wallace's 'Rusty's Last Call' and Martin's 'Salute To You' campaigns. Fans will want to be in their seats prior to driver introductions at approximately 2 p.m. as MIS will honor Wallace and Martin during pre-race ceremonies prior to the GFS Marketplace 400. Both drivers will be presented a framed photo collage of memorable wins at MIS by track President Brett Shelton and have a chance to address the MIS crowd and thank them for all of their support during their two annual stops in the Irish Hills. Both drivers will then ride separate trucks to give an opportunity for one last salute to the great MIS fans. "I've always enjoyed racing at MIS and would like to win here again," said Wallace. "This track has always treated me real well and the fans here have always been some of the best on the circuit. It's been a great run and I've enjoyed my last season in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series." In addition, fans will also get a chance to see Wallace appear in MIS' all-inclusive Victory Lane Club prior to the GFS Marketplace 400 on August 21. Wallace will perform question and answer sessions for fans who have purchased the Fan Hospitality package. (MIS PR)
July 22, 2005
Martin on Roush and Retirement: Mark Martin says he doesn't want to drive another full Nextel Cup season. He'd prefer to go into semi-retirement, racing in the Craftsman Truck series and perhaps a few Cup races, so he can begin to make up for the time he has lost with family and friends during season after season of the grinding Cup series schedule. "I feel toward Jack like I did my father," says Martin, in his 18th season with Roush. "I always wanted to please my dad. I want to please Jack Roush." Martin worries that if Roush had to find an interim driver for the No. 6 car for a season, it would cause too much upheaval and hurt the team. Before this season began, Martin begged several of his crewmembers who were mulling offers from other teams to stay with him for one more attempt to win the championship. "I need to be the one to hand the car over to Jamie," Martin says. "I do have a lot invested in the car, in the number, in the team, and they've got a lot invested in me." Asked whether the team is taking advantage of Martin's loyalty, Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said, "It's not as though this is the goodwill tour. There is compensation involved." Martin says he's "a little bit embarrassed" that he could be going back on his announced decision to retire. (Detroit News)
July 15, 2005
Martin back in 2006, Unless Replacement is found: Unless Jack Roush finds a replacement, Mark Martin will race one more full NASCAR Nextel Cup season in the No. 6 Ford in 2006, Roush confirmed Thursday after a press conference to unveil the new Ford Fusion. Martin was originally planning to retire from full-time Nextel Cup competition after this year, running a "Salute to You" tour to honor fans. But last week, car owner Roush began leaning on Martin to come back for one more year. Roush signed Jamie McMurray to take over the No. 6, but that contract won't begin until 2007 because McMurray is signed with Chip Ganassi Racing. "Mark Martin has agreed to drive the 6 car in 2006," Roush said. "I've got an honorable list of three or four other established guys that are out of rides or at the end of their terms who have expressed interest. There are at least four strong horses ready for the 6 car, and we've got sponsorship ready for the 6 car for any of those scenarios." But there is a qualifier. If Roush can find someone else, Martin won't drive it. "He will drive it for a championship in 2006 if I need for him to," Roush said. (Daytona News Journal)
July 11, 2005
Martin back in Cup in 2006? Geoff Smith, the head of Jack Roush's massive racing operation, launched another bombshell yesterday: that Mark Martin might abort his long-planned retirement at the end of this season. At Roush's urging, Martin is "considering" extending his NASCAR Cup career one more season, through 2006, Smith said. It seems a long shot that Martin, who will be 47 when next season opens, would race another year. But Smith said he and Roush were asking Martin "to take one for the team," to fill the ride until Jamie McMurray, signed away from Chip Ganassi Thursday for 2007, becomes available to drive. (Salem-Journal)
June 27, 2005
Penske #2 and Roush #6 rides: Two of the sport's top car owners, Roger Penske and Jack Roush, are trying to find new drivers to replace retiring Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin. Penske says he probably won't make a decision until September. (Salem-Journal)
June 16, 2005
Mark Martin Day Celebrated: Mark Martin was all smiles Wednesday as he accepted official proclamations from local political leaders and accolades from about 300 race fans. The city of Daytona Beach and Volusia County celebrated "Mark Martin Day" and toasted the veteran stock car driver in a short ceremony at FanZone inside Daytona International Speedway. "This is a day to honor one of Volusia County's most notable citizens and one of NASCAR's most notable competitors," Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden said before handing Martin the city's proclamation. "He is a wonderful representative of our community." Frank Bruno, chairman of the county council, was toting a decree from DeLand and kind words for Martin, citing the 46-year-old driver's "outstanding NASCAR career." (The News-Journal)
June 5 2005
Martin Says 15yr. ready for NASCAR now: The driver who would be Mark Martin's first choice to replace him as driver of the No. 6 Ford will not be in the car after Martin retires from full-time competition at the end of this season. "I'll tell you exactly who I would put in the No. 6 car in a heartbeat," Martin said. "Joe Logano turned 15 a few days ago, and if NASCAR would let me I would make Jack Roush let us put him in the 6 car. He's already ready. He's the man." Martin has been singing Logano's praises since early this year. Logano can't race in the Nextel Cup, Busch or Truck series until he's 18, but he has already made his debut in the Hooters Pro Cup series. "I am absolutely 100 percent positive, without a doubt, that he can be one of the greatest who ever raced in NASCAR," Martin said. (Charlotte Observer)
June 3 2005
Wood in the 6 Roush? It has been almost a given that Busch Series driver Jon Wood will end up behind the wheel of his family's No.21 Ford on the Nextel Cup circuit. That day could come sooner than expected if Ricky Rudd decides not to return next year. But Wood's name also has surfaced as a potential replacement for the retiring Mark Martin in the No.6 Ford at Roush Racing and for other cars that will need drivers. Wood, 23, drives the No.47 Ford for Tad Geschickter and remains under contract with the Roush Racing team he drove for in the Craftsman Truck Series. He said he has heard the talk about possible Cup rides but hasn't been contacted by owners. "I'm always the last to know, but that's probably a good thing," Wood said. "The only thing I know for sure is that I'll be driving the 47 next year." (St. Petersburg's Times)
May 27 2005
Wallace and Martin Spilt NEXTEL Cup ride in 06? Could Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace — both of whom are in their last full seasons in Nextel Cup — share time together next season behind the wheel of one of Jack Roush’s Ford Nextel Cup cars? It’s a long shot, the principals involved said Thursday, but not impossible. Martin said Thursday he’s contemplating doing a split Cup season next year in a Roush Ford. “If you could share a full schedule with the No. 6 car with another top driver, that’s never been done before,” said Martin. “Selling that to a sponsor, it would take the right sponsor and it would take a lot of things.” (SPEEDTV)
Craven Says He's Unlikely Martin Replacement: Craftsman Truck Series racer Ricky Craven was at Texas Motor Speedeay Tuesday, testing for the Chex 400 race on June 10. Tuesday also was his 39th birthday. The former Nextel Cup driver joined Roush Racing this year with hopes of getting back to Cup racing. But he doesn't think he will be selected to replace the retiring Mark Martin next season in the #6 Viagra Ford. "I think that's very remote," he said. "At 39, I'm sort of the end of the scale for what teams are looking for. I totally focused on this truck team and winning the championship this season." Martin is ending his Cup career but not his racing career. Craven expects Martin to join him in the truck series as a teammate next year. (Dallas Morning News)
May 26 2005
Martin Inducted: Roush Racing driver and 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge winner Mark Martin will be inducted into Lowe's Motor Speedway's prestigious Court of Legends prior to CTC Pole Night qualifying. Martin is also featured and honored on the ticket for CTC Pole Night. "It's a great honor," said Martin. "In my opinion Lowe's Motor Speedway is the greatest place on earth to race and I think a lot of the speedway and the people who have made it what it is. It's a great compliment to know that they think enough of me to do this and I'm honored by the recognition. "We've had some great runs and great wins at Lowe's and hopefully we aren't done just yet." Martin will join NASCAR legends such as Richard Petty, Junior Johnson and Darrell Waltrip as his handprints and racing shoe print are cemented in the Court of Legends walkway leading to Lowe's Motor Speedway's main entrance. Speedway officials will also present Martin with a special framed edition of the CTC Pole Night collectible ticket featuring his likeness and detailing his accomplishments at the track. (Roush Racing)
May 23, 2005
Martin Not Enough Energy in 2006: Sure, he'll use this year to take one last shot at winning the series championship that has painfully eluded him during his 22 seasons. And if he should fail yet again, Martin is certain he doesn't have the energy to try again. "I've already said I can't sign up for another one of these (full seasons)," Martin said. "This business is not easy, and I have had to reach. Last year I had to reach deeper than I've ever reached in my life to contend for that championship. "I thought there was no way to find any more, and I've had to reach even deeper this year to find some more. And that's the real reason why I can't do it again next year. There's no possible way I could step it up another notch from 2005." (News-Journal)
May 21, 2005
Mark Martin Wins the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge: In a throwback paint scheme that honored his glory years, Mark Martin raced as if he was in the prime of his career. Martin won the Nextel All-Star Challenge and its $1 million paycheck on Saturday night by piloting a car painted like the one he drove to four consecutive victories in 1993. This win didn't convince Martin to call off plans to retire at the end of the season, but it was enough for him to agree to defend his title in 2006. "This is how I want to do it,'' Martin said. "And we did this by racing smart with a great race car. I am excited about what is coming up ahead of us.'' This was supposed to be the final All-Star race for the 46-year-old Martin, who has not wavered in his decision to walk away. (ABC News)
April 14, 2005
Craven in the #6? There indeed will be opportunities with Roush at the Cup level, as Mark Martin is retiring at the end of this season. Craven delicately sidesteps rumors that he may replace Martin in the Roush-owned No. 6 Ford or take over for Carl Edwards in the No. 99 if Edwards is tabbed to replace Martin next year. "Jack and I have had conversations, but our primary conversation and objective is to battle for the championship in the 99 truck," Craven said. "I still think there's an opportunity for me [to go back to Cup], but that's all predicated on us meeting our goals this year. ... If [that] happens, then I'll have made a pretty good argument for a year in a Roush Cup car. That's really only as far as it goes." Thus far, Craven is ahead of schedule on meeting those goals. But he doesn't want to get too far ahead of himself. (Yahoo! Sports)
April 4, 2005
Newman to #6 Roush? Two major rides will open next season when Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace retire. Jack Roush will be looking for a driver to take Martin's Ford seat, and Roger Penske will be looking for someone to take Wallace's Dodge seat. There have been reports that Penske would be interested in Chevy's Kevin Harvick, although Harvick is apparently under contract with Richard Childress for one more season. Now there are reports that Roush may be interested in Penske's Ryan Newman, or perhaps even Newman and his crew chief Matt Borland, too. (Winston-Salem)
April 3, 2005
Martin Eyeing Young: Remember the name Joey Logano. No less an authority than Mark Martin says he is going to be a big star in NASCAR. What makes that forecast remarkable is that Logano is 14 years old. ''All I can tell you is that I could put him in my (Nextel Cup) car right now and he could win races,'' said Martin, the longtime Roush Racing star. ''He's got amazing talent.'' Martin first saw Logano race as a 12-year-old against his son, Matt. The elder Martin has since become the youngster's mentor, put him in a Cup car for a test earlier this year at Atlanta Motor Speedway and hooked Logano up with team owner Jack Roush. Logano drove one of Martin's 2004 Fords around the 1 -mile Atlanta oval at speeds above 190 mph. (Jackson Sun)
March 7, 2005
Mark Martin Site Up: Mark Martin’s“Salute to You” Tour, which roared to life on the track with back-to-back top-10 finishes in the first two races of the season, has come to life on the Internet. The official Web site of Mark Martin’s “Salute to You” Tour is now online at www.markmartinsalute.com. Featuring race news, vintage photos, a career timeline, exclusive merchandise and more, the site celebrates the career of one of NASCAR’s most beloved drivers, who retires from full-time Nextel Cup competition this year. Martin himself delivers a special video message to visitors when they arrive at the site. The site will serve as the new home of the official Mark Martin fan club. Current fan club members can use their existing fan club log in name and password to access the “Salute to You” site. Fan club membership is free by registering at www.roushracing.com.(Roush Racing PR)
Feb. 24, 2005
Mark Martin's Deal for you: The NASCAR racing star is offering a ride in the racer’s No. 6 car to anyone who buys a new or used vehicle from his Ford dealership in Little Rock, Ark. Martin, who finished sixth in Sunday’s Daytona 500, opened the business in his hometown last spring, and construction started this week on a new building that will include a museum to house his trophies and racing cars. The complex is to open in spring 2006. The museum and the experience of racing Martin’s car are his ways to let local folks touch the racer’s success, said Vic Davidson, in charge of new car sales. Buyers will go to the Memphis Motor Speedway, where they will take a short driver’s course before driving around the track 10 times wearing a helmet and firesuit. They will be able to reach speeds of up to 130 mph. Afterward they will get to meet Martin, who has 34 victories, making him 17th on NASCAR’s career list. (Mercury News)
Birthdate: Jan. 9, 1959