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Roush exec says Martin truck deal nearly complete; No. 6 driver decision awaits
By Bob Pockrass
Sunday, September 17, 2006
BAMBI MATTILA/NASCAR SCENE
LOUDON, N.H. - The deal for Mark Martin to drive a Roush Racing Ford next year in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is all but signed, Roush Racing President Geoff Smith said this morning.
Smith said he plans to have the paperwork done this week, and hopes that will put an end to questions about Martin's plans for 2007.
"He won't be able to run a full-time Cup program," Smith said prior to the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. "You can't run them both. The schedule doesn't work. It wouldn't preclude him from running ... a few races."
Martin insinuated Friday that Smith might have had other plans for him in addition to the truck deal, but Smith said that is not the case.
"We had details with Ford Motor Company and details with our sponsor that we just had to finish out," Smith said. "We got the handshake from the sponsors this weekend, so now I'm going to go get the paper done.
"That was just a reminder that he could go do something else if I didn't get with it."
So Martin will not drive the No. 6 car he has piloted for the last 19 years at Roush Racing. The decision on who will drive the car will come in the next two weeks.
All four of Roush's development drivers - Todd Kluever, Danny O'Quinn, David Ragan and Erik Darnell - are candidates for that ride, Smith said. Kluever had initially been penciled in to drive the car.
"There will be a rookie driver in the 6 car, just like our plan always was," Smith said. "Within two weeks, our choice of that will be finalized and announced. ... Jack [Roush] is the lead vote.
"It's got to be over quickly because we've got a marketing timetable with [sponsor] AAA that requires it to be over."
The Roush Racing ride and Robert Yates Racing No. 88 are the only two established teams with rides currently open for next season.
Robert Yates said Saturday that he still had hoped that Martin would drive the No. 88 car for his team next year.
"Owners do that - they put out the trial balloons and hope that the drivers give them a call," Smith said. "That's a common technique. But that's not [feasible]. Mark's head is him becoming the truck championship [contender]."
Smith said that Martin still might drive some Nextel Cup events in the No. 60 No Fear car, which has an alliance with Roush Racing.
Mentioned Drivers: David Ragan
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