Running on fumes: Hendrick Motorsports' Mark Martin stretches fuel mileage for Michigan win
By Kris Johnson - Assistant Managing Editor
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports driver Mark Martin celebrates his victory in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Lifelock 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
BROOKLYN, Mich. – Hendrick Motorsports driver Mark Martin was simply running for points near the end of Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. At the very end, he was celebrating an unlikely victory.
After Hendrick teammate Jimmie Johnson and Roush Fenway Racing’s Greg Biffle – owners of the two strongest cars on the afternoon – dropped from the first and second positions, respectively, in the final two laps when their fuel tanks ran dry, Martin decided he had more than points in mind.
"If we’re this close, I’m gonna run hard,” Martin said in victory lane, adding he ran dry on fuel coming off Turn 4 for the final time.
Martin, who qualified 32nd, notched his 38th career victory – and his third this season. It was Martin’s fifth career win at Michigan.
Johnson dominated the event by leading 146 of 200 laps. He fell to 22nd at the finish after running out of gas one lap short of the full distance. Biffle, who led 42 laps, finished fifth.
Jeff Gordon came home second, Denny Hamlin third and Carl Edwards gave Roush Fenway Racing another presence in the top five, finishing one spot ahead of Biffle in fourth.
The race consisted largely of green-flag runs with only three cautions on the afternoon, two of which were for debris. The lone incident of the day involved Penske Racing’s David Stremme, whose No. 12 Dodge careened into the wall at the entrance of pit road on lap 151.
With the win, Martin moved back into the top 12 of the point standings and is now eighth. Stewart-Haas Racing's Tony Stewart remains atop the standings with a 47-point edge over Gordon.
Martin's win marked the second consecutive year that a Hendrick Motorsports driver won a fuel-mileage race at Michigan after Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s victory in this event last season.
Popular News
-
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS: Which Sprint Cup star will snap his long winless streak first?
Comments (186) -
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., life as an Earnhardt is not easy, especially when you're not winning
Comments (139) -
Jeff Owens: Should RCR’s black No. 3 return to NASCAR’s Cup series?
Comments (118) -
Hendrick Motorsports’ Mark Martin more prepared mentally and physically for 2010
Comments (105) -
Dale Earnhardt Inc. plans for Jeffrey Earnhardt still in flux
Comments (96)
Recent Headlines
-
SEASON PREVIEW: Roush Fenway Racing’s Carl Edwards hungry to regain place among Sprint Cup’s elite
Post Comment -
Elliott Sadler, Kyle Busch among 39 entered in Daytona Truck race
Post Comment -
Aric Almirola to drive truck for Billy Ballew Motorsports in 2010
Comments (3) -
Nationwide season-opener has 14 Cup drivers among 53 entrants
Comments (7) -
Joe Nemechek hopes making Daytona 500 sparks full season of racing
Comments (4)
Poll PositionView All
After qualifying and the Budweiser Shootout, who is the favorite to win the Daytona 500?
Promotions
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.
Comments
32 responses to "Running on fumes: Hendrick Motorsports' Mark Martin stretches fuel mileage for Michigan win". Post a Comment.
terris88sem said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 4:29 PMWhat a finish WOW!!!!! That was great congradulations Mark Martin.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmotorsportsphotography said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 4:40 PMA great finish to a otherwise boring race. I knew Mark would be in the Top 12 after today's race. 8th in Points. Great run for the #5 team.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 4:44 PMa typical MI finish...congrats to MM for knowing how to get the most out of a car...was that a VOLT he was driving?...lol...see, Rick told you he's going to try and get you a Championship...the 2 of you may git er done...
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportSBeau said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:10 PMCongrats Mark!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportgwen_susie388 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:16 PMCongratulations Mark!! Keep on Digging! You will have a championship and having all that fun getting there!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportnascarfan247 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:16 PMcongrats mark on your third win of the year
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportJGRFan4Life said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:41 PMNormally, I hate Michigan. It's a boring race and I usually dislike races that come down to fuel mileage. That said, it was a VERY exciting finish to the race. Congrats to Mark, a very deserving winner no matter the circumstances. Johnson and Biffle simple raced each other too hard.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reporttimmytoad1 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:44 PMCongrats to Mark. Another typical and dissapointing day for Jr, good at times but not when it counts. They better start getting agressive real soon with the setups if they think they have a chance in hell of making the chase.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reporttimmytoad1 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:44 PMCongrats to Mark. Another typical and dissapointing day for Jr, good at times but not when it counts. They better start getting agressive real soon with the setups if they think they have a chance in hell of making the chase.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportrstuckey said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:45 PMThough I'm a huge Jimmie Johnson fan, I'm not disappointed with Mark Martin's victory. Great race, great finish, congrats Mark!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportwendyshorses2 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:47 PMThree-peat!!! Amazing!!! Awesome job Mark!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportwendyshorses2 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 6:13 PMI've got a comment regarding the JULY 2009 issue of NASCAR Illustrated I just received. On page 12 in the YOUR VOICE section the caption of the month was for a photo of Mark Martin. The caption that won says "This is how I drive without my booster seat." Why didn't they choose a caption that didn't insult Mark Martin? He gets jabs about his height all the time and now the magazine adds to it with this insulting caption. I know Mark being the good guy he is probably wouldn't take issue with it, but it made me feel pretty bad when I read it.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportSS396Chevelle said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 6:34 PMGreat race Mark and the same for Jeff coming from dead last.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 6:53 PMThat was pretty tight... A great finish
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 6:56 PMYou see, this is what I'm talking about... I am a professed Junior fan, but again, THIS ARTICLE ISN'T ABOUT JUNIOR... I love to talk about Dale Jr., but this is about Mark Martin and his win.... so people, quit coming on here on articles that have NOTHING TO DO WITH JUNEBUG and making negative comments.... Congrats to Mark
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportgwen_susie388 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 7:27 PMWendy....I wouldn't worry about that to much. I understand what you are saying. Mark can handle those remarks. He knows he is short and I am sure he had to learn from young on up how to deal with it. Mark Martin is having the time of his life and I love it for him!!!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportsoak said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 9:30 PMHe got lucky so what. In that equipment a driver in his prime would win more.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportPhoenix987 said:
Jun 14, 2009 at 11:13 PMSOAK, being lucky and being smart are two different things. He might have been lucky, but it was his ability that put him in the position to be able to capitalize on the bad luck of others.
Report as AbuseCongrats Mark, on your third win. Back to back June Michigan race wins for Hendrick, in what is considered Roush's backyard.
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportJGRFan4Life said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 1:11 AMSOAK, you are an imbecile. Martin has won 3 races this year, tied for the Cup lead with Kyle Busch.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportJJ48 said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 8:28 AMI hate to see Jimmie lose the race but at least Mark was the guy to win.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportboudruxbone said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 9:35 AMGreat job Mark. A job well done!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportCmess65 said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 11:33 AMAs soon as the race ended I was looking forward to hearing Junior Nation start ranting about Mark having better equipment and if Junior was driving Mark's cars. I wish Rick Hendrick would switch drivers for one week to put an end to that nonsense. Congratulations Mark! You prove every week age ain't nothing but a number.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 11:52 AMWell #22, I see where your coming from, but that wouldn't work because any driver can have a bad week... You couldn't swap the equipment for just a week, you would have to do it for several
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 11:53 AMBut now again, we see that suddenly an article about Mark Martin has turned into an article about Dale Jr. THIS IS ABOUT MARK MARTIN even though Junior is my favorite driver THIS ISN'T ABOUT HIM.... Congrats again to Mark
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportdale said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 3:55 PMHello Gwen, they mention (again) in this article about the two lead drivers running out of fuel. When can I expect an apology from you claiming that only 1 driver at the front ran out and lost positions? Good thing for Mark that he had fuel through turn 4! Just a little less fuel on the last stop and Jeff would have won. Congrats to both Mark and Jeff for having good finishes.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 4:54 PMWhen can you expect an apology? Never. Dale I know that this didn't involve me, but whatever. What you said was that Dale Jr. got two positions back because two drivers ran out of fuel and she corrected you and said that he only got 1 position back because Biffle ran out closer to the finish line and finished 5th, whereas Jimmie Johnson ran out coming to the white flag and finished 22nd.... But yeah, I second that on the Jeff Gordon thing... Congrats to both of them
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 4:54 PMWhen can you expect an apology? Never. Dale I know that this didn't involve me, but whatever. What you said was that Dale Jr. got two positions back because two drivers ran out of fuel and she corrected you and said that he only got 1 position back because Biffle ran out closer to the finish line and finished 5th, whereas Jimmie Johnson ran out coming to the white flag and finished 22nd.... But yeah, I second that on the Jeff Gordon thing... Congrats to both of them
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportTurning_Left said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 4:59 PMThree wins and (hopefully) more to follow.
Report as AbuseA real class act and role model for younger drivers.
Race on...
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Jun 15, 2009 at 6:04 PMboring?...boring is watching the 1985 Busch race at Bristol on ESPN Classic...2 cars on the lead lap and no side by side racing...at least this year they ran 3 wide at Bristol...
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportjbbigrod said:
Jun 16, 2009 at 1:00 PMI was wondering WHY THIS thread got so many more posts compared to the other one on Mark. Now I see why. They just can't leave Jr out of it can they? As far as Jr getting going or he is not going to make the chase: he already doesn't stand a chance. Way too many GOOD racers ahead of him that aren't going to make the chase either. THe spread is really low this year and it will change back and forth for several weeks yet.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportfool4katz said:
Jun 16, 2009 at 5:16 PMYou know what they say, old & sneaky beats young & fast every time. Go Old guy !!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportjbbigrod said:
Jun 17, 2009 at 12:16 AMI think Mark is STILL quite young. At least a lot younger than me. So I will just have to say: "Go Sneaky"! LOL.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report