Martin tops 176 mph during Homestead test session

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Mark Martin set the fastest lap Wednesday during the final day of testing in preparation for Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov 18-21.

Martin set a fast lap of 176.759 mph (30.55 sec). He was followed by fellow Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup contenders Jeff Gordon 175.382 mph (31.79 sec), Jimmie Johnson 174.081 mph (31.02 sec), Dale Earnhardt Jr. 173.633 mph (31.10 sec), and Tony Stewart with an identical fast lap as Earnhardt at 173.633 mph (31.10 sec).

Martin, who currently ranks fifth in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup, 102 points back of leader and teammate Kurt Busch. Like many of the drivers in the garage area during the two-day test, Martin was impressed with how the track has matured since last year's Ford Championship Weekend.

"The track was really awesome last year and racer friendly right out the box," said Martin. "It acts like it has aged four years in one year. It is one of the best repaved tracks I've ever raced on and I expect it to be even better this year."

When asked about his chances to win the Ford 400 and possibly his first NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship, Martin knows there are certain things that need to fall into place both this weekend at Darlington Raceway and next weekend at the season-finale in Miami.

"You are going to have to be in the top-five here (at Homestead-Miami Speedway) to win the championship," added Martin. "We will be giving it everything we have just like we do every week."