Martin says he still has drive to win again

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

Mark Martin's decision to drive for car owner Rick Hendrick starting next year was not as easy to make as it might seem.

Martin told Hendrick that he didn't want to race full time, even if it was for an organization that has won seven of the past 13 Cup titles. But Hendrick persisted and Martin relented.

A near-win at Phoenix in April and realizing how rare this opportunity is for an older driver changed Martin's mind.

He led at Phoenix until he was forced to pit 11 laps from the end. He finished fifth, but nearly winning that race sparked Martin, 49.

"I want to win another race," said Martin, who owns 35 career Cup wins. "The motivation to really come do this deal was largely based on that I want to drive something I can win in - and I think these guys provide that for me."

Martin, who has run a partial schedule the past two seasons, will race full time for Hendrick next year. Martin will return to a partial schedule in 2010, allowing Hendrick to run a younger driver who will be mentored by Martin - likely Nationwide driver Brad Keselowski - in select races.

Martin admits he was taxed after the 2006 season. He had planned to retire in 2005 but ran the following year after car owner Jack Roush asked him to do so. Since then, he has skipped select races and tracks and doesn't go more than two weeks in a row without a break.

He says he's as relaxed as he has ever been. His wife, Arlene, also sees it.

Now comes Martin's final chance to win an elusive championship. He has finished second four times. Martin said he's not obsessed about that. Asked what will make next year successful, he said it's to "contribute" to a team that includes Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Martin's spot at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will be filled by Aric Almirola, who has shared the ride with Martin.

DEI's DYNAMIC DUO take tonight's top spots

Paul Menard earned his first career Cup pole, helping Dale Earnhardt Inc. sweep the front row for tonight's race.

Menard won the pole with a lap of 185.916 mph. Teammate Mark Martin was next at 185.870. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (185.437), Joe Nemechek (185.288) and Johnny Sauter (185.250) complete the top five.

Points leader Kyle Busch starts ninth with Tony Stewart 17th, Jeff Burton 24th, Jeff Gordon 27th and Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman 34th.

Scott Riggs and J.J. Yeley failed to qualify.

Officials continue to study testing policy

NASCAR Chairman Brian France said officials continue to study the series' drug testing policy. Series officials had anticipated an announcement by now, but France said one could come in about six weeks.

NASCAR can test based on suspicion. A failed drug test leads to an indefinite suspension.

NASCAR's policy has been questioned since former Truck series driver Aaron Fike revealed to ESPN The Magazine that he took heroin on the day of a race. Fike wasn't suspended until after he was arrested on drug possession charges last July.

"I wouldn't look for some dramatic changes" with what NASCAR decides to do, France said.

Internal inquiry into allegations nearly done

France said NASCAR's internal investigation into the accusations made in Mauricia Grant's lawsuit against the series is nearly complete. France said about 25 people have been interviewed.

"We've been very thorough," France said. "We have a pretty good handle on what we think the claims are and some of the conduct of Miss Grant and others."