Mark Martin Aligns With Hendrick
It appears as if Mark Martin will run some races for Hendrick Motorsports
Mark Martin is expected to compete in at least three NASCAR Busch Series races for Hendrick Motorsports.
When Mark Martin decided to run a limited schedule for Ginn Racing, many Ford Racing loyalists became disenchanted considering that Ginn Racing, formerly MB2 Motorsports, fields Chevrolet Monte Carlos. But Mark Martin's latest venture will likely grind the gears of the devoted Ford fans .
On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports revealed that the 48 year old veteran will drive for the organization in three Busch Series events in 2007- Darlington, Michigan, and Homestead.
Mark Martin spent 19 seasons driving for Roush Racing, and as time progressed, a rivalry developed between Roush Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. It escalated in 1998 when Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon were locked into a heated championship race. When Jeff Gordon and his Hendrick Motorsports team began to gain some momentum and distance themselves from Martin, Jack Roush through out the accusation that the 24 team was soaking their tires.
The allegations surfaced after Mark Martin dominated the fall race at New Hampshire, while Gordon was merely lingering around the top ten. When a late caution came out, Gordon and his crew opted for a two-tire stop in order to come out of the pits ahead of Martin, who opted for four fresh tires.
Logic would have Martin blowing by Gordon shortly after the green flag was waved, however, Gordon walked away with the win, which left the Roush Racing group scratching their heads.
Who would have guessed that nine years later, Martin would be strapping in to a Hendrick Motorsports prepared car.
"This is going to add another great chapter to my career...I have a great respect for Rick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization, so I'm excited about this opportunity to be a part of it. Hopefully we can make some Busch Series history in the Hendrick Autoguard Chevrolet," says Martin.
Just music to the ears of Ford fans, right? If they thought Martin was a traitor before, what about now?
Martin will be sponsored by Hendrick Autoguard. Maybe Roush Racing should make a play for Terry Labonte.
