Credit: Autostock

Phoenix to mark Martin's 600th career start

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Roush Racing's Mark Martin will make his 600th career NASCAR Cup start when the green flag drops Sunday on the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

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Martin will become just the 13th driver to reach the margin in NASCAR's "modern era," which started in 1972.

"It's hard to believe that we've been around that long," Martin said. "I've had the chance to live out my dreams over the past 20 years and the credit for that really goes to a lot of other people. I really have to thank the Robin Pembertons and Steve Hmiels of the world, as well as people like Jimmy Fennig and Ben Leslie and Pat Tryson.

"It's really a testament to all of the guys who gave a lot up over the years."

Martin mostly credited the man who's been his team owner since 1988.

Credit: Autostock

"It also says a lot about Jack Roush," Martin said. "He got this thing started and stuck with it and he took a chance on me back in 1988 and here we are today.

"I also have to thank all of the fans who have stuck with us throughout the years. Without their support we surely would not have been able to accomplish the things that we have."

Martin made his first start in the Winston Cup Series on April 3, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where he started fifth before eventually finishing 27th with a broken rear end. A few months later, in only this third Cup start, Martin captured the pole at the Nashville Fairgrounds.

A few weeks after that Martin captured his second career pole, at the Richmond Fairgrounds. He would go on to run his self-owned car five times, claiming two poles, two top-10 finishes and one top-five.

After an off and on career that encompassed parts of four seasons, in 1988 Martin teamed up with Roush.

Seventeen years, 542 races, 41 poles and 34 wins later Martin is still running the No. 6 Roush Racing Ford Taurus, and is currently fourth in the inaugural Chase for the Nextel Cup.

Martin has currently started 542 consecutive Cup races, the third longest current streak and the sixth longest ever. Martin is assured of his 14th top-10 points finish in the last 16 years.

Martin has 339 finishes in 599 starts (57 percent) and 214 top-fives (36 percent).

At Phoenix, he leads all drivers with eight top-five and 13 top-10 finishes in 16 starts, including a victory in 1993.