MARTIN TAKES SHOT AT 600
Mark Martin and the No. 8 U.S. Army Team move into NASCAR’s longest race of the season, the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Martin is coming off a strong performance in last weekend’s Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s, finishing ninth after running the majority of the race inside the top five.
THE COCA-COLA 600
Starts: 46 (24)
Wins: 1 (4)
Top 5s: 7 (17)
Top 10s: 9 (21)
Poles: 2 (1)
Highest finish: 1st (2002)
First time: 5/30/82 (27th)
Last time: 10/13/07 (16th)
Last year: 5/27/07 (11th)
Worthy Note: Martin has four wins at Lowe’s including a victory in the 2002 Coca-Cola 600.
BESTING THE BEAST
Martin has four wins at Lowe’s, including one in the 600. In addition, he has won twice at Lowe’s in the All-Star event. His 17 top-five finishes are the most of any active driver at the 1.5-mile track. He also boasts six Nationwide Series wins and two IROC victories at Lowe’s.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING - LOWE’S
Martin has led 1,168 laps at LMS, the most of any active driver. He has an average finish of 16.1 and an average running position of 11.9. He has made 232 quality passes in the last three seasons at LMS and his 21 top-10 and 17 top-five finishes are tops among active drivers.
MARTIN AT THE 600
This will be Martin’s 25th Coca-Cola 600. Martin’s first run in the then World 600 was on May 30, 1982. He won the event in 2002 and has turned in seven top-five and nine top-10 finishes at the 600. He finished 11th in the 600 last season and fourth two years ago. Martin has finished inside the top five in two of the last four Coke 600s’.
SALUTE THE TROOPS
Martin’s No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet Impala SS will carry a special Salute the Troops paint scheme for the Memorial Day weekend race. The paint scheme honors the men and women of the Armed Forces who gave their lives defending our nation and to members of the military who continue the fight for freedom.
MAKING A STRONG POINT
Despite running a limited schedule and having missed three of 11 events in 2008, Martin is ranked 26th in the Sprint Cup point standings, ahead of 11 drivers who have competed in more events. In addition, Martin’s four top-10 finishes are more than 19 drivers who have taken part in all 11 events. Martin has as many or more top fives than 21 drivers who have competed in every event this season.
MARTIN IN 2008
Martin has scored two top-five, four top-10, five top-15 and six top-20 finishes in eight races this season. He has led 69 laps in 2008, one more than he lead all of last season.
