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Q&A: Mark Martin

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005 by Lee Spencer

Mark Martin, 46, gained a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup in what was supposed to be his last season as a full-time driven But his planned retirement might be put off a year, giving him one more chance to add to his Cup legacy.

TSN: Are you going to stay in the No. 6 car next year?

MARTIN: I couldn't say that definitely, but it looks real strong--and every day it looks stronger. I don't think if I were Chip Ganassi that I would let Jamie (McMurray) go. You know? He's an awesome driver. I thought he was the most sought-after driver in the garage. I thought it was a coup when Jack (Roush) signed him up for '07. Jamie had choices, and he made the choice to come here.

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I'm committed to this team. They put me here. They put me in this Chase. They made supreme sacrifices so I could be in this Chase. That's what I asked them to do, and I respect that 100 percent. I refuse to leave them hanging. That's not me. I'm not going to leave them hanging. I'm not going to put them in a position to do a one-year driver and then deal with three drivers in three years. We're not going to do that. That's the man that I am. That's my commitment.

TSN: How has the merger between the Roush and Yates engine programs improved your cars?

MARTIN: The merger was fantastic for everyone. Last year, we had really good cars, and a lot of that came from the engineering group, the crew chiefs and the drivers. But the engines are fabulous. Last year, we had some mechanical failures--I broke four engines. This year, I haven't broken any--period--and the horsepower is awesome. That's what we need. We need that kind of reliability and horsepower, and we have both.

TSN: What can you say about Jack Roush having five cars in the Chase?

MARTIN: I love it. Jack has worked for it. He deserves it. That says something about the man.

Q&A: Mark Martin

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005 by Lee Spencer

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