Mark Martin is coming back

Wednesday, May. 06, 2009

Mark Martin is coming back one more time.

Martin will return as a fulltime driver in the Sprint Cup Series next season to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports at least one more season, HMS officials announced on Wednesday.

Martin, 50, broke a 97-race winless streak with a victory with Hendrick at the April 18 Cup race at Phoenix. Martin called the chance to return to fulltime competition with Hendrick this season "the opportunity of a lifetime."

Last July, Martin signed a two-year contract with HMS covering one full Cup season in 2009 and one part-time season in 2010. The two sides amended the agreement this week to make 2010 another fulltime season.

"Week in and week out, Mark continues to be one of the best race car drivers in the world," Hendrick said. "He's already made an incredible contribution to Hendrick Motorsports and our entire company is excited about running another full season and winning races with him in 2010."

Martin said Wednesday he feels "re-charged and motivated" to keep going.

"It means a lot to drive the No. 5 Chevy for Rick and for Hendrick Motorsports," he said. "I'm in the best condition of my life. Going to the racetrack every weekend is still really fun, and that's the key.

"There's more gas in my tank."

Sponsorship for the No. 5 next season has not yet been determined.

The Phoenix win was the 36th of Martin's his career, and all 35 previous wins came with owner Jack Roush. After leaving Roush Racing following the 2006 season, Martin drove two seasons on a part-time schedule -- with Ginn Racing and then Dale Earnhardt Inc. when those organizations merged.

Early this season, Martin could easily have had second thoughts about his move to Hendrick. He had two engine issues and was 34th in points after the first three races.

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