Loudon, NH (Sports Network) - Mark Martin has signed a contract extension with
Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No.5 Chevrolet full-time in the Sprint Cup
Series through 2011, with GoDaddy.com sponsoring his team's efforts beginning
next year, the team announced Friday.
Martin begins the 10-race Chase this weekend at New Hampshire in the first
seed by virtue of his four victories so far this season. He is also the oldest
of the 12 drivers competing in the Chase at age 50. Martin currently holds a
10-point advantage over Tony Stewart and HMS teammate Jimmie Johnson, who is
seeking his record fourth consecutive Cup championship.
"That shouldn't come as any big surprise," Martin said. "Who would want to
quit?"
Martin is in his first season driving for Hendrick. In May, HMS announced that
Martin had agreed to forego a part-time schedule and return full-time for the
2010 season.
"Mark has been an unbelievable asset to our organization," team owner Rick
Hendrick said. "I can't overstate the contribution he's made or the kind of
teammate he's been, and we're excited that he'll race with us for the next two
years. With his focus and dedication, he will continue to make all of us
better."
GoDaddy will serve as Martin's sponsor for at least 20 races next year,
starting with the season-opening Daytona 500. Additional sponsorship for the
No.5 team will be announced at a later date.