Special paint schemes punctuate Martin's salute

If you were one of us fortunate enough to see Mark Martin make his first NASCAR Cup Series start at North Wilkesboro back in 1981, you just had a feeling he was here to stay. He wasn't visiting. He wasn't sightseeing. He wasn't testing the waters. He was here to stay.

"Hey, the first time I ever got in a Cup car, I was there to win the thing," Martin said mater-of factly.

Indeed he was, as was evidenced by the fact that he won his first pole -- at Nashville -- in only his third start.

SUPERSTORE •   Mark Martin die-casts •   Special Paint Schemes

Granted, the first few seasons of Martin's NASCAR career had more ups and downs than a Disney ride gone bad. But he found his niche with Roush Racing in 1988 and has been one of the sport's most prolific performers ever since.

When the checkered flag falls on the final race of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season, it will bring to a close one of the most storied careers in motorsports history.

Of course, Martin has dubbed his final season as the "Salute To You" tour, and this yearlong celebration will include numerous promotions and neat collectibles.

"We really aren't ready to talk about everything that we plan to do," said Martin. "But I can tell you that we have some really cool things planned that I think everyone can enjoy at least a part of. We are going to be working closely with Viagra, Gatorade, Ford, Mattel, WinCraft and of course Team Caliber on some pretty neat projects that I'm looking forward to. I have a lot of people to thank and it's our goal to get around to all of them next year."

As collectors might expect, special paint schemes will play a major role in the "Salute To You" collectibles platform. Martin is scheduled to drive some special paint schemes in 2005 that will resemble some of his most recognizable rides from the past. The cars will continue to carry the signage of current sponsor Pfizer/Viagra, but will be painted in the colors of previous sponsors, such as Stroh's Light, Folger's, and Valvoline. The familiar No. 6 will be replicated to the exact style that corresponds with each paint scheme.

Martin's first retro paint scheme will hit the track at Las Vegas on March 13. It will showcase the Stroh's Light colors he drove to his first win at Rockingham in 1989. Stroh's sponsored the No. 6 Ford in '88 and '89.

The maroon-and-gold Folger's livery that Martin raced in 1990-91 will be featured in June at Michigan.

For the September race in California, the flagship of the Roush fleet will reflect its Valvoline paint scheme from 1992. That was the first year the oil company sponsored Martin-a relationship that lasted through 2000.

In addition to the retro paint jobs, Martin will also run a special Kraft Foods color scheme in the Bud Shootout in continuation of a tradition that began in 2002.

All of Martin's 2005 liveries will be replicated in die-cast by Team Caliber. The company is also producing program-related apparel. Other licensees will also be offering Mark Martin Salute To You memorabilia, including Hot Wheels and Wincraft.