Martin Drives Home Point with Limited Schedule
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- While the rest of the Nextel Cup circuit prepares for the winding right turns of Watkins Glen International, veteran Mark Martin is gearing up to once again watch this weekends race on the television. Regan Smith will drive the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevy on Sunday.
After running the previous four races at Daytona, Chicagoland, Indianapolis and Pocono, Mark Martin will take off his sixth race of the season this weekend, before returning in two weeks at Michigan.
Despite having missed a total of five Nextel Cup point races in 2007, Mark Martin sits tied for 15th position in the point standings; theoretically still in contention for the 12-car Chase for the Nextel Cup.
“That really says more about this No. 01 U.S. Army Race Team than anything,” said Mark Martin. “These guys are just incredible. They give me great cars each week and I have an awesome time driving their stuff.”
While that will all likely become a moot point after this weekend, it is interesting to note that it was supposed to become a moot point after Mark Martin missed his first race in 19 years earlier this year at Bristol. Mark Martin stepped away from the Nextel Cup point lead in style; leading the standings.
Amazingly enough, Mark Martin raced his way back into the top 12 by mid June, despite having missed three of the 14 races. Currently, Mark Martin is ahead in the points of 13 drivers who have competed in all 21 Cup events. He leads 21 drivers who have raced in more events in 2007 and has scored more points than three teams who have won this season.
Ironically, Mark Martin is currently tied with former Roush teammate Greg Biffle for 15th place in the Cup standings. Biffle’s team is made up mostly of Mark Martins No. 6 team from 2006.
In addition, Mark Martin has helped keep the No. 01 Chevy inside the top 10 in the owner points all season. Currently the No. 01 is in 10th place in the owner standings, eight points behind ninth and just 32 points outside of seventh place.
Mark Martin is enjoying his limited schedule and has plans to run a similar slate of races next year.
“I love it,” said Mark Martin. “I’ve had the time of my life driving these cars and I can’t wait to come back and drive for these guys again. Right now we are planning a similar schedule next season. I’ve lobbied since February to be able to come back next year and drive Ryan Pemberton’s race cars and I’m glad to see that all coming together again.”
