In the Pits- GINN

Martin cherishes opportunity to represent soldiers in Memorial Day weekend classic

When Mark Martin took the green flag to start this year’s Coca-Cola 600, he carried an extra incentive to succeed in NASCAR’s longest race of the season. It was the first time he had the opportunity to represent the U.S. Army in the Memorial Day weekend classic.
     “The Coca-Cola 600 has always been a big race, but this year it had even more meaning for me,” said Martin, who is in his first season driving for the U.S. Army/Ginn Racing team. “It’s such an honor to represent these soldiers each week, especially on Memorial Day weekend.
     “I would have liked nothing more than to take this U.S. Army Chevy to Victory Lane that night, but it didn’t work out that way. Still, we dedicated that strong effort to all the soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for freedom, and to our men and women in uniform who are fighting every day to protect us.”
     Martin’s No. 01 Army Chevrolet carried a special American Hero’s decal on the hood, as part of a multi-car program to honor the fallen heroes.
     Martin eventually finished 11th in the race, but the veteran had s strong car. He ran inside the top-10 for the majority of the race, but lost out on a fuel mileage deal at the end. Still, Martin and the team gave the soldiers an effort they all could be proud of.
     “We had a great car for the race, and we were at our best at the end,” said Martin. “We didn’t start out with a great car, but one thing you can always count on is that we will never give up. We’re like our soldiers, who inspire us every weekend.
     “We kept on working with it,” added Martin. “And by the end of the race we had a car that could contend. Things didn’t work out that way and unfortunately sometimes you get a finish that’s not indicative of the effort, but it was still a great race and we can hold our heads high that we gave 100 percent.”

Photo caption:
Driver Mark Martin