In the pits- Ginn

Ginn Racing off and rolling in new era

Going into the 2007 season, many were unsure of what to think of Ginn Racing as it entered a new era of NASCAR Racing. Formally known as MB2 Motorsports, Ginn Racing had undergone a massive facelift in the off-season, including the addition of more than 100 new employees, perhaps the most notable being legendary driver Mark Martin.

Many were skeptical of Martin’s decision to move to Ginn Racing after 19 years at Roush Racing. Then came the 2007 Daytona 500, where Martin firmly implanted his new legacy behind the wheel of the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet while helping to ensure the racing public that Ginn Racing was indeed for real. Martin came up just inches of winning the “Great American Race” in one of the closest and controversial finishes in NASCAR history.

At the same time, Martin’s new teammates Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin did more than simply survive the pressure and qualify for the race. Nemechek finished in ninth place and Marlin came home 16th, despite getting caught up in a last lap melee.

Now, after the first three races of the 2007 season, there is no bigger story than Ginn Racing. Martin and Ginn added to their list of accomplishments one week later when Martin took over the points lead after the season’s second race at California Speedway.

It marked the first time in the organization’s 11-year history that they had a driver atop the driver standings. Marlin and Nemechek have qualified for each of the first three races, including top-10 qualifying efforts at Las Vegas. Throw in the impressive performance of Busch Series rookie Regan Smith and the outstanding work of the No. 01 U.S. Army team on pit road, and it’s easy to see that Ginn Racing is clearly moving in the right direction.

Now Martin, who was at one time criticized for moving into a situation where he could not compete, is being asked why he won’t race the entire schedule in a ride that is so competitive. He is scheduled to drive the Army Chevy in 23 Cup races in 2007. The 23-year-old Smith will drive in the remaining races.

“A lot of people weren’t nice about it when we made the announcement in October,” said Martin, referring to the decision to leave Roush and join Ginn Racing. “Now those same guys are lining up and asking me how in the world I can step out of a car that is so good.”

“Our plan was to never do this overnight,” said owner Bobby Ginn. “We have a five year plan and a commitment to make this happen. We added some really strong pieces to the puzzle this season, but we look to continue to build on what we have done and to continue to grow and get better.”

“As an organization, I know that we aren’t at all where we want to be,” added Martin. “But we’re sure getting there, and we plan to keep working and moving in that direction. I hope to be here a long time. I know that we’ll have hard times as well, but right now I’m just not seeing them. My cars this year are better than the cars I had before, and they are just so much fun to drive. Ryan Pemberton is one of the best crew chiefs I’ve ever worked with, and this team is just solid. I love driving for these guys, and I’m truly having the time of my life.”