Mark Martin Post Race Quotes

Mark Martin Post Race Quotes

Mar 13, 2007

MARK MARTIN, NO. 01 U. S. ARMY MONTE CARLO SS – Finished 5th:

“I was just telling Ryan Pemberton that he is one of the best I have ever worked with—what a strong crew chief. The U. S. Army Chevy was fantastic. We were looking like a third place car but then on the (final) restart the car picked up a real bad push. It was a great run—I am so proud of this team—I am having the time of my life driving this car. It’s going to be hard to get out of it. ”

AS LONG AS YOU KEEP COLLECTING THESE POINTS WE’RE GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT BRISTOL—ANY CHANGE OF MIND?

“You keep asking—no change yet. ”

DESCRIBE HOW THIS SEASON HAS UNFOLDED FOR YOU SO FAR

A dream, just a dream. I was telling Ryan he’s one of the strongest crew chiefs I ever worked with. So proud of this U. S. Army team. We had a better car than fifth; it was a third. I couldn’t run with those first two—Gordon and Johnson. On the (final) restart it just picked up a real bad push. I don’t know if we had a tire going down or what. I just had to stop going into the corners. I’m thrilled to get a top five when we weren’t at our best at the end. It’s really a privilege to work with these guys. I am just loving life. ”

DID YOU EVER IMAGINE IT WOULD BE GOING THIS WELL?

“When we made the announcement in Talladega in October I saw a lot of headlines like Why Mark, Why? I believed this was the place for me and I am really happy I made the move. This is a fantastic organization. It isn’t as good as it’s going to get. We’re going to keep working. I think they want me to hang around for a long time and I like that because I love racing and I love the fans and I’m having the time of my life. ”

IF YOU’RE STILL THE POINT LEADER GOING INTO BRISTOL WILL YOU STILL STEP ASIDE?

“This was an awful good car today… I was out there having fun. I don’t want this to get away as far as having a great team and a great opportunity. We made this deal, they made the deal and Bobby Ginn told me a deal was a deal. I am still happy with the decision I made. But I will tell you with cars like I had at the last three races—especially today because this was a race I was dreading with this tire and racetrack—but it was just a dream. ”

HAS THE THOUGHT AT ALL ENTERED YOUR MIND THAT YOU NEED TO ALTER YOUR PLANS A LITTLE BIT AND CHALLENGE FOR THIS CHAMPIONSHIP?

Let’s just worry about that later. I was happy with the run; I’m happy with the team and happy with what I laid out. We don’t need to be talking about that right now.

WHAT WERE THE CONDITIONS LIKE TODAY?

“Not as bad as I expected. Maybe I had a better car. I am just tickled with this U. S. Army Chevy. I expected it to be one of the most painful days on the racetrack that we’ve had. All the drivers did a fabulous job. They were very careful around each other. I’m not a good driver on this kind of tire… it’s not my specialty. I love this car, but we can’t take it next week (to Atlanta). And what Ryan (Pemberton) is saying right now, I’m believing. Whatever he says I am taking it to the bank. He’s on it. ”