NASCAR Winston Cup Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 Report: #6, Mark Martin
10 September 1997
#6 Mark Martin, Valvoline/Cummins Ford Thunderbird NASCAR Winston Cup Series Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 Advance Richmond International Raceway September 6, 1997 SUPERMAN MARTIN WRESTLES TO FINISH RICHMOND RICHMOND, VA - Very few drivers could have finished the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 under the same circumstances as Mark Martin did. While running in the top-10, Martin lost his oil belt and power steering belt on lap 284. The Valvoline/Cummins team was able to replace the oil belt to keep Martin running, but there wasn't time to fix the power steering. Martin drove the last 115 laps on the 0.75-mile oval with no power steering. Wally Dallenbach was standing by in the pits ready to replace Martin if the physical strain became too much, but Martin used his determination (and upper body strength) to finish the race. "I have never driven that hard in my life," Martin said. "I had to use my whole arm just to hold the steering wheel in place. On such a short track, it is almost like a constant turn. After the race, I couldn't even lift my arms to sign an autograph. If I didn't work out as much as I do, I never could have finished that race." Martin began lifting weights when he joined Roush Racing in 1988. Before then, he spent most of his time working on race cars which left him little opportunity for regular workouts. Martin begins nearly every day before 6 a.m. with a 60-90 minute routine in his gym at home. At most race tracks, he has been able to find a nearby gym for a quick workout before morning practice. Martin feels his dedication to fitness is an advantage he has over some of the other drivers. "There are all positives and no negatives in exercising," Martin said. "I often race two events back-to-back in a single weekend and recover from fatigue, as well as injuries, faster than I would if I was not in top shape. I know I never would have survived the Richmond race otherwise. My arms are still sore, and I probably won't be working them anymore this week." Martin will be recovered and ready to race this Sunday in the CMT 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. He finished fifth at the 1.058-mile oval in July. He has never won at NHIS, but a victory now would help decrease his 97-point deficit to Jeff Gordon in the Winston Cup point standings. By Roush Racing Public Relations