Sterling Marlin left Watkins Glen on Thursday. Credit: Autostock

Marlin leaves Glen to tend to ailing father

Stremme practiced No. 40 Dodge on Friday, may race Sunday

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Chip Ganassi Racing will probably not make a decision until Saturday whether or not Sterling Marlin will be available to drive in Sunday's Sirius at the Glen.

Marlin's father Coo-Coo, 73, is fighting cancer and is seriously ill, and Marlin left Watkins Glen on Thursday.

Inside the Numbers Coo Coo Marlin's Cup career Starts 165 Wins 0 Top-5s 9 Top-10s 51 Poles 0 Avg. Start 17.0 Avg. Finish 19.9

The Marlins are from Columbia, Tenn., and the elder Marlin is a retired farmer and cattleman who raced off-and-on in NASCAR's top division for 14 seasons.

"I talked to Sterling about two hours ago, at that point Coo-Coo's condition had stabilized, but the next 12 hours are critical," said Ganassi Racing team manager Andy Graves.

David Stremme practiced the No. 40 Dodge on Friday with help from Scott Pruett. The team attached rookie stripes to the car because Stremme has only one career start.

"David is the first to tell you he doesn't have that much road-racing experience, but to us, this is an excellent opportunity to give him more laps," said Graves.

Even as Ganassi was announcing his 2006 lineup on Friday at Watkins Glen, owner Chip Ganassi paid homage to Marlin, who has driven for him since he purchased a controlling interest in the team in 2000.

"Sterling Marlin is not here this morning, and his father is not doing too well," Ganassi said. "He flew out of here last night to go back home to be with Coo Coo."

"None of this could happen today without the steadfast support of Sterling Marlin since I got in partners with Felix," said Ganassi. "A lot needs to be said there about that man."