Smith on MB2: I couldn't ask for a better scenario

Smith on MB2: I couldn't ask for a better scenario

New Cup driver will likely make debut at Bristol or Martinsville
By Ryan Smithson, NASCAR.COM
October 6, 2006
02:48 PM EDT (18:48 GMT)

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Regan Smith's entry into Nextel Cup racing might just signal a fresh method for promoting drivers to NASCAR's top level.

Smith will forego competing for rookie of the year in 2007 by partnering with Mark Martin in the No. 01 Chevrolet. It is a partnership that occurred quickly, and Smith seems surprised at the sharp upward turn his career has taken.

"It is going to change the way people bring young guys up because I don't have that experience in Cup," Smith said. "I didn't run seven races this year. Having Mark there will be my experience."

The split-seat arrangement is the second such deal announced this week.

On Wednesday, Wood Brothers Racing said that it would divide its No. 21 Ford next season between veteran Ken Schrader and rookie Jon Wood.

MB2 Motorsports won't field a Nextel Cup car for Smith in any of the remaining seven Nextel Cup races. Smith's Nextel Cup debut is likely to come at Martinsville Speedway, the sixth race of the 2007 season. Martin will probably drive the first five points races in order to secure the team a spot in the top 35 in owners' points.

The team is also trying to secure a full-time Busch Series sponsorship for Smith in its Chevrolets.

MB2 Motorsports has struggled mightily this season, and businessman Bobby Ginn purchased majority interest in the team this summer.

Ginn's money has enabled MB2 to purchase much-needed equipment, including a seven-post shaker (race simulator for cars). The addition of Martin and Smith also means that MB2 will be able to run three full-time teams for the first time in its 10-year history.

MB2 Motorsports CEO Jay Frye said that Martin and Smith's 2007 Nextel Cup schedule won't be finalized until after this season. It is also possible that Smith might make his debut at Bristol, the season's fifth race, which will also be the debut for NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow.

"The Car of Tomorrow is out there, nobody has a ton of experience in that, and that will be beneficial to myself," Smith said. "That is a little more equal playing ground."

Smith has bounced around the Busch Series for several years, and while he has scored just one top-10 in 80 starts, MB2 Motorsports signed him when he became available for 2007.

Smith drove this season for Team Rensi in the Busch Series, but Rensi enters next season in a hole after losing one sponsor, as well as both of its drivers.

It was never easy for Smith, 23, to learn in the Busch Series, which has been dominated by Nextel Cup veterans in recent years.

"The Busch Series has been tough this year," Smith said. "You have 20 Cup guys in every race and they are all extremely fast. Rensi gave me a great opportunity and great equipment, and I am so appreciative of that, but it's been a tough year, no denying that."

Smith is banking heavily that the experience of Martin will alleviate his significant learning curve. MB2 plans to also use Martin to test with Smith.

"Mark is somebody I have looked up to since I was a little kid. I have watched him race since I was 4 years old," Smith said. "You couldn't ask for a better scenario to come into this series.

"He can help me figure out where I want the racecars. When Jay [Frye] first sat me down to say 'Hey, this is a possibility what might happen,' it kind of floored me. I said, 'Wow, that is amazing.'"

Jeff Burton, a close friend and former teammate of Martin's, put it even more bluntly.

"I wish when I was a rookie driver, I had someone like Mark Martin to talk to," Burton said. "That team definitely stepped up their program today."