Ageless
Mark Martin will be the primary driver of #5 Hendrick Motor Sports Chevrolet through 2011.
Now the
50-year-old Martin has something in common with IndyCar’s
Danica Patrick. GoDaddy.com, one of
Patrick’s sponsors will sponsor him in 20 races in each of the next two seasons. Just don’t expect him to make the same risqué television advertisements.
Four years ago
Martin announced he was retiring from full-time racing in 2006, but, team owner Rick
Hendrick coaxed him back for this year by offering him a job. Going into this week’s race at New Hampshire Speedway he leads the Sprint Cup standings.
"Mark has been an unbelievable asset to our organization," Hendrick said in a press release. "I can't overstate the contribution he's made or the kind of teammate he's been, and we're excited that he'll race with us for the next two years. With his focus and dedication, he will continue to make all of us better.”
"As long as I can have fun, compete at a high level and have the opportunity to win, I'm going to continue to do this. I'm having a blast, and that's always been most important to me and my family," said Martin the oldest driver in the Chase.
About today’s news he told reporters “that shouldn't come as any big surprise. Who would want to quit?''
Additional sponsorship for the No. 5 Chevrolets will be announced at a later date.
Brad Keselowski had been rumored for the ride until Martin decided to stay unretired and has landed a job at Penske Racing.
Imprimer