Martin finishes out year with DEI with a 14th place finish at PIR

• Comments [0]
•  Print This Post
• Email This Post To A Friend

Kyle Ocker, FanZone Sports — NASCAR

Veteran Mark Martin ended his tenure with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet by finishing 14th after fighting back from a loose lug nut on lap 99 that put him a lap down.

“First of all I want to say just how proud I am to have worked with the guys on this U.S. Army team,” said Martin. “We had a really strong car today. We might not have had the car to win it, but we had a top-five car for sure. We didn’t get the finish that we wanted, but like they have done all year these guys hung in there and fought hard. I’m very proud to have driven their car this season. It’s been a pleasure to work with (crew chief) Tony Gibson and everyone on this No. 8 team.”

Martin was as high as fourth during the race, as the veteran kept Dale Earnhardt Inc. 14th in owner points heading into the season-finale at Homestead with Aric Almirola behind the wheel.

Martin will race a full-time schedule in 2009 in the No. 5 car with Hendrick Motor Sports.

“This really has been the most fun that I’ve had in my career,” added Martin. “To be able to run a part-time schedule with a championship caliber team has been a great privilege. I just have to thank everyone at Dale Earnhardt Inc. for everything. I also want to thank the U.S. Army for all the support of the past two years. It has been a real honor to represent our brave Soldiers who protect our freedom.”