Martin could drive Ford in limited truck schedule

Martin could drive Ford in limited truck schedule

Veteran says he has opportunity to race Chevys in Busch Series

By Ryan Smithson, NASCAR.COM
October 26, 2006
05:04 PM EDT (21:04 GMT)

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Mark Martin's days with Ford are not over yet.

Martin said on Thursday that his 2007 race schedule will likely include 5-10 races in a Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series. He also said that he is likely to run a 5-10-race Busch Series schedule in a Chevrolet.

At Talladega this month, Martin announced that he would drive a 20-race Nextel Cup schedule in the No. 01 Chevrolet for MB2 Motorsports next season.

Martin said that his Busch plans will involve an unnamed Chevrolet team, possibly one different than MB2.

"I am pretty close to a truck deal," said Martin, who has run 11 truck races this year, winning five of them. "I think the first hurdle has finally been cleared on that.

"I think I will race a Ford truck next year, and five, maybe even 10 races and I think I will race a Busch car five to 10 races in a very exciting variety, possibly three different teams. The Busch team will be a Chevrolet, and the truck will be a Ford, if I race it."

The move to MB2 Motorsports shocked the industry. There is arguably no driver more associated with a team than Mark Martin and Roush Racing -- the two have been together for 19 years -- but Martin did not want to run a full schedule in 2007.

MB2 Motorsports has struggled mightily this season -- the two-car team has scored just two top-10s all season -- but Martin says the team will surprise some people in 2007.

"Things were getting better before I signed on," Martin said. "In the past they have been a great team and a great contender. They started turning the corner."

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Bill's Comment: Stay tuned, in case the wind decides to blow another direction. I only say this because he keeps those who follow NASCAR in suspense as to whether or not he will retire, yet alone as to which team (or manufacturer) he will be racing for. Do not get me wrong. Mark Martin is one of the most respected drivers both on and off the track, and is a sentimental favorite amongst the fans. Regardless of whom he drives for (besides MB2 Motorsports, now Ginn Racing), his experience and expertise will only make the team that much better. No matter what track he will race at in the Craftsman Truck Series, he will be a favorite.