Martin Joins Hendrick, Replacing Mears Next Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Mark Martin is returning to NASCAR
full time, agreeing to drive for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports in
a final effort to win a championship that has eluded him for 24
years.

Martin and team owner Rick Hendrick announced the deal pairing
the 48-year-old driver with one of NASCAR’s top teams, Friday at
Daytona International Speedway.

Martin will race a full schedule next season, replacing Casey
Mears in the No. 5 Chevrolet. Hendrick is parting ways with Mears
after this season.
   
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