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At 52 years old Mark Martin is not looking to slow down anytime soon. 2011 is his final year with Hendrick Motorsports, Martin is more than ready to get back into victory lane.
After a stellar 2009 that saw Martin finish second in the points and nearly winning the title he and then crew chief Alan Gustafson went winless in 2010.
The team finally began to get back into form later in the season it was too late as they missed the Chase. He had seven top fives and 11 top 10 finishes.
Now as the season starts up Martin is looking to leave HMS on a high note and possibly win his first NASCAR Sprint Cup title.
With the driver swap at HMS, Martin was teamed up with Lance McGrew. The two will look to get back into victory lane in 2011.
Martin is one of the healthiest if not healthiest drivers in NASCAR. His health has always been a priority and has extended his career.
Martin has no plans of slowing down even after he leaves HMS but his focus is the task at hand with McGrew.
"I'm absolutely without a doubt going to be driving a race car next year," Martin said, "I'm just not going to be in any hurry to worry about that."
Martin is an experienced driver and one of the best to ever race in NASCAR he hasn’t missed a step.
The key for them is to build success early in the season. Martin and Gustafson fell behind early in 2010 and it took the entire season to catch back up.
For McGrew and Martin communication will be key. Martin doesn’t need someone to tell him how to drive these cars, he knows what he needs.
We saw last year how much speculation was surrounding Martin’s future impacted him. He was constantly denying and repeating his plans. The focus wasn’t on the racing but on where he would be racing.
Those questions will still be there for Martin as to be honest he is more than capable of winning races and contending for the title.
Martin isn’t worried about 2012 and nor should his fans. He will make the Chase this season not only because the wins will be there but this team is much better.
Martin isn’t winding down his career in 2011 and don’t be surprised if he proves the doubters wrong and challenges for the title.
photo: hendrickmotorsports.com
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