Will Mark Martin flourish at Hendrick Motorsports?
Next year Martin will take over the No. 5 Chevy from Casey Mears. Martin, who raced only part time this season for Dale Earnhardt Inc., has finished second in the final points standings four times in his career, and in 2009 he should be a serious contender to win his title. This, after all, is why he signed a one-year deal with Rick Hendrick, to have a shot at that elusive championship. How will Martin do? He’ll be paired with crew chief Alan Gustafson, who led Kyle Busch into the Chase in 2005 and ’06. Martin should be a safe bet to qualify for the Chase and then, who knows? He doesn’t take your breath away with anything he does on the track, but, like Jimmie Johnson, he rarely makes mistakes or does anything to beat himself. He should be good for at least two wins next season. 4. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. contend for the championship? If Little E is ever going to seriously challenge for the championship, it’ll be next year. He and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. will be in their second season
