Daytona 500: 27 Days and Counting

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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Mark Martin

• 2007 Stats

  • Organization: Ginn/DEI
  • Car Number: 01
  • Crew Chief: Ryan Pemberton
  • Sponsor: US Army
  • Points: 27th :: 2960 :: -3763
  • Starts: 24
  • Poles: 0
  • Wins: 0
  • Top 5’s: 5
  • Top 10’s: 11
  • Winnings: $4,097,200

• 2008 Preview

  • Organization: DEI
  • Car Number: 8
  • Crew Chief: Tony Gibson
  • Sponsor: US Army

Mark Martin’s first part-time season was one littered with buzz and talk.

After coming out of the gates at Daytona, and subsequent races, the buzz was how could Mark walk away from his best start in years, and an obvious chance to competitively compete for the Cup. Yet, as he said all along, he watched Bristol from Florida, and kept true to his schedule.

Last summer, along with Regan Smith, he was the beneficiary of Ginn selling his operation to DEI. While other teammates were left in a lurch, Mark was (for obvious reasons) transferred to DEI ownership and the #01 kept right on rolling along.

Finally, last fall, the long anticipated answer to the question of “Who will replace Dale Jr?” was announced. Mark Martin, along with Aric Almirola for 12 events, would be behind the wheel of the #8 US Army Chevrolet.

Being honest here, it was one of the best things DEI could do. There are few names that could pilot that ride after Dale Jr’s exit, and Mark Martin is definitely towards the top of that short list. Mark has long been a fan favorite, with very few fans showing a dislike for him. This can only help to move the whole organization, as well as the #8 team, into the Junior-less era.

Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.

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Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Inc #01, Dale Earnhardt Inc #8, Drivers, Ginn Racing #01, Mark Martin, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Teams





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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday July 18, 2007
1:46pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Ain’t it funny how things can come back to bite you?

After being “done dirty” by Joe Gibbs, an issue not to be rehashed, Aric Almirola now has come to what should be called a “defining moment” in his career.

It was rumored, rumored again, and then it hit the fan. Mark Martin has a new pupil, and his name is Aric Almirola.

What? Huh? What about Regan Smith?

Well, that’s a whole ‘nother ball of wax folks.

Sterling Marlin has been released, and Regan Smith will be jumping into the Ginn Racing #14 starting with Indy. Our ol’ buddy Sterlin’, while looking to cut back in 2008, wasn’t exactly pleased. I guess Ginn is still paying him through the end of his contract, but he’s on to other things. Maybe even a second ride with them McClure boys.

On the same, but similar front at Ginn, it appears Bobby’s pockets aren’t the big brother of the Grand Canyon. Either that, or the length of his arms have been reduced. The #13, and Joe Nemechek have been suspended from continual operation due to lack of sponsorship and will not be headed to Indy.

That’s a car in the Top 35 folks, that’s walking away.

I wonder how long it will be before Michael Waltrip buys those owner points up? Granted, he isn’t but barely in the Top 35, but he is in. Enough to where Michael would be in the show at least two or three times before falling back out.

But, I digress. Although it appears DEI is interested in those points for Menard, as well as combining teams with DEI to make a 4 car team. Which, it seems, would kick the 15 out, and bring in the #01 and the #14, but who knows. I’m rambling again…

So here we have Aric Almirola rolling out of Joe Gibbs Racing, and rolling into the students lounge at Ginn. School’s in session, and this move will either make or break him. However, under the guidance of Mark Martin, he’s in good hands.

Aric’s first race will be August 12th, as he’s thrown into the road course at Watkins Glen. He’ll also run the Cup races that Regan Smith was scheduled for, but there’s a kicker too.

Joe Gibbs Racing, while granting the release of Aric Almirola, is keeping him to his Busch Series commitments (5 more) for 2007. Gee, I wonder how that’s going to go over? Anyone got a punch bowl?

Aside:

I’d like to thank the couple of mutineers that have graciously accepted an invitation to be authors on the Lounge. As they have time, of course.

Unfortunately, my time has become such that it honestly is tough to find 15 minutes a day to share my insight with all of you, as you may have noticed. So, in order to keep bringing y’all the goods, these familiar faces will be making an appearance here and there to help keep you all in content for your reading pleasure. Again, thanks to both Marc, and Clance’ for their insight, time, personalities, and of course their assistance.

Then again, you could always start your own NASCAR blog for free, and let the world know what you think about this great sport of ours.

4 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Aric Almirola, Drivers, Ginn Racing #01, Ginn Racing #13, Ginn Racing #14, Indianapolis, Joe Nemechek, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Regan Smith, Sterling Marlin, Teams, Tracks





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