Nascar – Mark Martin, luxury replacement for Tony Stewart

Mark Martin, at 54 years old, still has energy to spare. He proved it again last Sunday by fighting for the lead with future winner Joey Logano. Thus, the American was sent by Tony Stewart to replace him, the three-time champion preferring to end his 2013 season in order to arrive in full possession of his means for the 500 Daytona 2014, which will open the next year. “I hope when we return the No. 14 to Tony it will perform even better than when he rode it last time, underlines Martin. That being said, I hope they will be happy to have me among them when they look back. »

As a reminder, on August 5, the boss of the Stewart-Haas Racing broke his right tibia and fibula in an accident during a Sprint Car race on dirt. “We are hoping for a full recovery for Daytona, or a little sooner, said Greg Zipadelli, director of competition for Stewart-Haas Racing. It could be sooner, but it's not worth it. It's a bad broken leg, and he needs time for healing, rehab, etc. After talking with Tony's doctors and speaking with him, we felt it was best for him to focus on his recovery. Mark seems in good shape. He and Tony get along very well. Tony is very excited about this idea. It was his first choice. » And Tony Stewart confirms: “Obviously I’m disappointed, but the team is in good hands with Mark Martin and Austin Dillon. Mark is someone I have watched my entire career and I have deep respect for him. Austin is a young talent, he showed it again on Sunday in Michigan. »

Mark Martin, who has no fewer than 40 victories in the discipline, will therefore be at the wheel of the No. 14 Chevrolet SS for all rounds of the Nascar Sprint Cup Series still to be contested, except at Talladega, where he will give up his seat to young hopeful Austin Dillon. Until then, Mark Martin competed in a partial program with Michael Waltrip Racing. He will be replaced for the end of the season by Brian Vickers. So much the better, the latter will compete the full season aboard the Toyota No. 55 next year.