What's really going on with Mark Martin and this HMS Deal?

Question

I've been a fan of his for years. He is the best driver that has not won a Cup Chamionship!! This whole thing of him going to the #5 car to make one last run at the cup is all good except!

1) The #5 car just doesn't run that good?

2) Does Mark think that HMS is going to make the #5 car the flagship car next season, as they have the #88 this season?

3) Will he try to make the chase and then if he falls behind turn the car over to Brad K. for 10 races, so he gets some seat time, but still maintain his rookie status for 2010?

Both Mark and Rick say he will be running a full season!

I think that's true unless the #5 car can't make next years chase!

What do you think?

PEACE

Answer 1

The 5 car ran awful with Mears in it.  It was a competitive car with K. Busch.  I think it will be a competitive car with Martin in it.  The championship is a long shot,  but it is for everyone.  I certainly dont think Hendrick made the 88 the "flagship" car.  Thats rediculous.

Answer 2

he's decided to join the WINNING TEAM

GO 24!!

Answer 3

First, I have to say that I think Junior Johnson is the greatest driver to never win a championship, but that's just me.  

1)  The 5 car has been in the chase the last 2 years and gotten a lot of top 5s and top 10s during those races.  Kyle wrecked at Talladega last year and had problems the week before at Kansas and STILL finished 5th in the standings.  The team has stayed relatively intact, including crew chief Alan Gustafson.  I don't see their performance or results being any kind of a hindrance to Mark's chance at winning a championship.

2)  No, I think he knows the situation he is getting himself into.  The thing with HMS is the overall consistency of their engines and cars.  From their "flagship" drivers to Scott Riggs and whoever else is currently at Haas CNC, ALL the engines dynoed within 2 horsepower of each other.

3)  I think he will run the full season in 2009, regardless of where he is at in the standings, and then do a part time schedule in 2010 (he signed a 2 year deal with Rick).

That's what I think about it but who knows?

3 STR8 N 08!!!

Answer 4

I think the 5 car runs fine and the flagship theory is not all that it is cracked up to be.  Kyle Busch ran fine in that car as far as I am concerned and lot of the 5 car resources are on the 88 this year so the logic is not there for that part.

Of course he will try to make the chase and run well or he wouldn't be going there in the first place.  Only a year ago Mark was leading the points in a Ginn car before taking off on leave and I think he is fully capable to achieve success there.

He has said time and again that Hendrick has great equipment and he loved driving a Busch car for Hendrick.

I don't see Keslowski moving to the 5 car at all.  He would probably remain at JR motorsports for some time and in a possible move to cup in that car even though JR recently said he was upset that the media took that info too far.

Answer 5

He's gonna make 1 last run at a Championship...so he is going to run full time in 2009 & part time once again in 2010.

1) Kyle Busch..while he didn't do as well as he is doing with the #18 did elevate that team in his yrs there.

2) Its not a matter that the team makes any 1 over the other

3) Nah, he'll run the full season, as planned, then over to whoever & him for 2010. (Personally I think he gave up one of better shots in yrs when he opted out while leading the Championship in 2007).

Answer 6

Mark Martin will have a great year next season and I believe he has a serious shot at the championship!!

Answer 7

MM's taking one last stab at a championship. Aside from that who knows what's going to happen. Good luck to him.