Martin finishes 8th in Budweiser Shootout
February 10, 2008

By Kevin Woods
DaleEarnhardtInc.com

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Mark Martin finished eighth in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout after picking up four positions in the final three laps. It was Martin’s 20th consecutive start and 21st overall in the all-star event, which also marked his debut with the No. 8 on his U.S. Army Chevrolet.
“We had a really good horse out there tonight,” said Martin. “We had a lot of power with the Earnhardt/Childress engine package and were able to do some things on the track. I know it was only an eighth-place finish, but it was a lot stronger run than that."

“We actually had a top-two or top-three car,” said No. 8 crew chief Tony Gibson. “Mark did a great job. We can’t wait to come back next week and see what we can do in a longer race, which suits Mark's style.”

Meanwhile, Martin Truex Jr.’s high hopes for tonight’s event came to a halt when the driver of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet wrecked on Lap 47 after making contact with David Gilliland. Truex pulled his car into the garage after the incident, resulting in a finish of 21st.

“We had a pretty good car,” Truex said. “It got a little tight but it could still run up top. I would get a good run up there but it was like the guys were checking up in the corners. If I could have stayed in the gas I think we would’ve been fine.

“We were just kind of cruising along and I think the (No.) 38 blew a tire. There was nowhere for me to go. I’m still proud of the fact that we got into the race by winning a pole. Hopefully, we’ll qualify for a lot more Shootouts in the future.”

More importantly; Dale Earnhardt Jr WON!!!

(but it was good to see Mark Martin do well too)

Yes he did. But Junior does not have a hometown that is in the NEARsports coverage area, which is why we do not receive his press releases.

Thats right, Gotta represent that NEA!