Charlotte, N.C. — Whether Roush Racing calls it the Back for More in 2004 Tour, or some other snappy marketing name, the fact remains the same — NASCAR Busch Series’ winningest driver is returning to action next year.
Mark Martin, after retiring from competition in the Busch Series in 2000 with 45 wins from 200 starts, will run in four select races in 2004.
While TFR’s Roush Racing source would not divulge all of the details, it is known that Martin will run one of those four races with the colors of his Winston Cup sponsor, Viagra, on his Ford Taurus.
Martin, who fielded part-time NBS entries for nine years, was the man to beat during the Saturday races. Using his smooth driving style he more often than not left tracks including North Carolina Speedway and Darlington Raceway with the winner’s hardware.
Martin last put the hurt on the field at Darlington Raceway in September of 2000, besting teammate Jeff Burton by 0.410 seconds doing so.
"I loved to watch guys like Jack Ingram and Sam Ard race when I was younger, so it is hard for me to believe that I could match, or beat, what they have done,” said the modest Martin in 2000 as his retirement from the Busch Series neared. “It is a real honor to have my name in the Busch record books for so many things. I never take the time to reflect on my career and realize the things I've done. It always surprises me to see the numbers on paper because it just doesn't seem real."
Those numbers include his 22.5 percent win rate. Add to that his 93 Top-5s and 125 Top-10s and it is understood why the NBS regulars call the Winston Cup crossovers, Busch Whackers.
