Martin takes wreck-filled Southern 500
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The Associated Press
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mayıs 11, 2009 00:00
DARLINGTON, South Carolina - The 50-year-old Mark Martin won for the second time in four NASCAR races when he outlasted Jimmie Johnson in a wreck-filled Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway Saturday.
"Once we got out front, man, it was just easy. The car was awesome," Martin said. Martin's only other win here was 16 years ago.
His victory ended a long, hot day for NASCAR that began with the sobering news of Jeremy Mayfield's failed drug test and indefinite suspension, which was announced about two hours before the start of the race.
Mayfield, who had failed to qualify for the event, said in a statement he believed a mix of an over-the-counter drug and a prescription medication led to the failed test.
NASCAR also announced the suspension of two other crew members for failed drug tests. NASCAR does not reveal the banned drugs found in the positive tests.
Martin made sure the day ended on a positive note. He considered driving away for good a few years ago but re-signed with Hendrick Motorsports for 2010 this week. On Friday, Martin was adamant the extra year wasn't about seeking a title, simply manifesting the joy he feels these days each time he steps on the pedal. And Martin's doing it as well as he ever has. "Hey, man, I'm loving it," Martin said. He ended a 97-race winless streak in Phoenix last month and proved there's no age limit on mastering the track branded "Too Tough To Tame." Martin led the final 46 laps in his 37th Sprint Cup victory.
His victory ended a long, hot day for NASCAR that began with the sobering news of Jeremy Mayfield's failed drug test and indefinite suspension, which was announced about two hours before the start of the race.
Mayfield, who had failed to qualify for the event, said in a statement he believed a mix of an over-the-counter drug and a prescription medication led to the failed test.
NASCAR also announced the suspension of two other crew members for failed drug tests. NASCAR does not reveal the banned drugs found in the positive tests.
Martin made sure the day ended on a positive note. He considered driving away for good a few years ago but re-signed with Hendrick Motorsports for 2010 this week. On Friday, Martin was adamant the extra year wasn't about seeking a title, simply manifesting the joy he feels these days each time he steps on the pedal. And Martin's doing it as well as he ever has. "Hey, man, I'm loving it," Martin said. He ended a 97-race winless streak in Phoenix last month and proved there's no age limit on mastering the track branded "Too Tough To Tame." Martin led the final 46 laps in his 37th Sprint Cup victory.