Report: Mark Martin to replace Mears at Hendrick-UPDATE
UPDATE:
The speculation comes as rumors swirl about Mark Martin’s future with Dale Earnhardt Inc. He’s previously been mentioned as a candidate to split the Cup schedule with Scott Speed at Red Bull Racing, but there could also be a similar role for him in the #5 car for Hendrick. One scenario could have Martin splitting the seat time with Brad Keselowski, who currently drives a Nationwide Series car for JR Motorsports.
Hendrick is partners with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in that venture, and Martin occasionally drives a car for them in that series. Martin is currently splitting a ride with Aric Almirola for DEI, but the team wants Almirola in a full-time ride in 2009. “Aric is ready for a full-time ride,” said DEI vice president John Story. “We have to get him in a car full time somehow, someway.”
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Casey Mears and Mark Martin look to be on the move, and their futures might be linked.
Mears’ future with Hendrick Motorsports appears in jeopardy, ESPN.com has learned. Although Mears has one year left on his contract, team owner Rick Hendrick would not commit to the driver of the No. 5 car beyond this season.
“I’m committed to him right now,” Hendrick said on Sunday at Infineon Raceway. “I’m committed to him making that car run better right now.”
Earlier on Sunday, sources told ESPN.com that Martin would leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. Later, ESPN.com learned that he would replace Mears, making one last full-time run at a championship.