Roush exec says Martin truck deal nearly complete; No. 6 driver decision awaits

By Bob Pockrass
Sunday, September 17, 2006
$util.encode.html($content.photo.alt)

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

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 8, 2009 at 2:53 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the AMP Energy 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6248
2 Mark Martin -184
3 Jeff Gordon -192
4 Juan Pablo Montoya -239
5 Tony Stewart -279
6 Kurt Busch -312
7 Greg Biffle -340
8 Ryan Newman -402
9 Kasey Kahne -414
10 Carl Edwards -437
11 Denny Hamlin -448
12 Brian Vickers -556

More by this Author

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Dickies 500

Texas Motor Speedway
03:31 PM, 11/08/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner from the past two seasons is most likely to earn his first victory of 2009 in the next three races?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • 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.

  • Cast your vote for the NASCAR Illustrated 2009 Person of the Year, presented by Old Spice.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account