Is this what the #5 team needs?

Question

Is Mark Martin going to be the answer for the #5 Team?

Not since Terry Labonte has the 5 team been successful. Kyles record this year gives one the impression that it is not the driver. Casey Mears is no loser and is in fact a good driver but never seems to run up front. Mark Martin has always been a competitive racer and I love his style and class. With two previous champions (and maybe a third) by his side is Mark Martin what the 5 team needs to be on top? I think so myself but am interested in what other real fans have to say.

To qoute Mark Martin. "Any racer with a pulse would be nuts not to say yes to Rick Hendrick."

Answer 1

I just think there is some chemistry missing on that team. I think that the "crazy old man" could be the missing link. Hopefully the 5 team gets a new crew chief next year too.

Answer 2

Yes This what They need... a smart veteran driver

But to say Kyle Busch's wins just because of his car is an idiotic thing to say

In his 3 seasons there he had 4 wins,won rookie of the year, and made the chase twice. And each year he moved higher in the points. 20th to 10 to 5th which means he was learning and becoming a great drivera and it was only a matter of time before he became great.

And this year it has finally happened

Answer 3

No, Mark Martin is not the answer to the 5 car. I have said

and will say again that Casey Mears would have done fine in

it if he had been given more time in the car, I mean the guy

has been shifted more times into different cars than most

and hasn't been able to develop the relationship with the

crew chiefs and crew.

I understsand that the 5 car is not doing well this year. So what? Jeff Gordon didn't make the chase in 2005. Some years there are slumps.

I really think Hendrick is not the only one behind gettin Mark

into the 5 car. I am convinced Dale Jr. had something to do

with it because Mark drove his nationwide 5 car etc.

These drivers are like clicks. If you don't fit into the click,. like

Mears not fitting into it,, then you are out. And it is not fair.

Answer 4

Sorry to disagree with your assesment of Kyle and Casey, but I honestly think Rick Hendrick gives the best equipment to the driver he most wants to see win the championship for that particular year.

This year it's Jr, the last couple it's been Johnson. Next year it'll be Mark Martin.

Uggh....does that make me sound like a whiney conspiracy theorist? So not my intentions.

edit: I know this wasn't directed at me, but Kyle did okay last year. Finishing 5th in points isn't too bad, he made the best of what he had to work with.

Answer 5

I don't buy into the whole conspiracy theory on one driver or another getting the "good" cars. If that was the case, I think he would have wanted Jeff to win every year and go for beating or tying the record in championship wins.

As for Mark being the answer, I guess we will have to wait and see. A lot of fans thought he would be the answer for DEI too, even with a limited schedule, and that hasn't seemed to pan out. I can see him being consistent with HMS, and maybe even a few wins. I can see him being a contender in the chase, but I think his best years are gone, and I don't see him winning a championship. With that being said, consistency and contention would indeed be a big accomplishment for the #5 team.

Only my opinion, and a great question by the way.

Answer 6

Will he toss his walker in the trunk?

Answer 7

Well it's nice to know that Kyle making the chase 2 out of 3 years in his career and finishing 5th last year were all dismal seasons.

Answer 8

I think the team will be much better with Martin. You've got to remember last year in the 25 car, ya Mears won, but it was a fuel mileage deal. A win is a win, but I think any driver would rather have the kind of wins Kyle Busch is having this year, where he kicks everyone's butts. So that tells me that is kinda is the driver. Jr. is in the same equipment Mears was in last year and he's second in the points. I think if he's not the answer, he will at least put them on the right track. And I somewhat agree with with Winter Glory, I think Rick Hendrick may be giving Jr pick of the litter with engines and what not, but I don't believe he is blatantly giving him the best stuff. This is the only thing I've not agreed totally with her on.

Answer 9

Casey is not good.  Sorry bud.  Bad assessment.

How could the same be said about Kyle last year.  A couple wins, chase contender...  Remember.  Mr Hendrick on the mic telling him to hold second position to Jimmie.  Not even close. Casey Mears is a hack.  Ive said it for 4 years and I will continue to say it.  

Mark Martin gives the same props to any team he is on.  Will he improve the team over Casey?  Of course.