Martin to Hendrick?
Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 by Kyle Ocker
Sources are reporting that Casey Mears was told last week that he would not be returning to Hendrick Motorsports next year. It was also reported that Mark Martin was leaving DEI.
Now, we have learned from ESPN.com that Mark Martin will make one more full-time run at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Championship with none other than, Rick Hendrick and the Number 5 Chevrolet Impala SS Car of Today.
“I don’t know yet,” Mears said when asked if he would return in 2009. “Obviously, we haven’t had a good season. I think anything could happen. Right now, I don’t really have anything good to talk about.”
Hendrick would not say whether or not the rumors are true, but he never seemed to have much faith for the return of Casey Mears.
They call it Silly Season for a reason folks, and that’s what it is becoming.
This will effect a lot of drivers. Clint Bowyer, who is in his last year on his contract at Richard Childress Racing, was rumored to be the driver for the Number 5, but that is no longer available, so it appears that his best effort would be to stay at RCR.
It also may open Aric Almirola who currently splits the Number 8 with Martin to a full-time Sprint Cup Series ride.
Kyle Ocker covers NASCAR for The Finish Line and can be reached at kyle@nascarfz.com.
Spread the Boom:
2 Responses to “Martin to Hendrick?”
[...] out - splitting time in the no. 5 car with Brad Keselowski to help bring him through the ranks at Hendrick, or hooking up with Red Bull Racing in an effort to get Scott Speed ready for a career in the [...]
Tim Zaegel
They’re saying that Martin’s definitely leaving DEI regardless of what happens and that Almirola’s a lock for the no. 8 ride.