Mark Martin to Drive No. 5 Busch Series Chevys in 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2007) – Hendrick Motorsports will field racing legend Mark Martin this season in three NASCAR Busch Series events, the team announced in a news conference Wednesday morning at Daytona International Speedway. “Years from now, I’ll continue to look back on this with a ton of pride,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group. “When Mark and I first started talking about it, I knew we had one of those special opportunities that don’t come along often. He’s one of the all-time greats, and having him drive one of our cars is something we couldn’t pass up.” The effort will be backed by Hendrick Autoguard, a line of products available exclusively at Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships nationwide. Hendrick Autoguard offers car buyers peace of mind through a variety of options that include maintenance coverage, asset protection, exterior car care, and vehicle security. Martin’s schedule will kick off May 11 at Darlington, S.C., where he has posted eight of his 47 career Busch Series victories. The 48-year-old will make additional starts on Aug. 18 at Brooklyn, Mich., and Nov. 17 at the Homestead, Fla., season finale. “This is going to add another great chapter to my career,” said Martin, who is working with Hendrick Automotive Group to offer Autoguard products at Mark Martin Ford in his hometown of Batesville, Ark. “I have a great respect for Rick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization, so I’m excited about this opportunity to be a part of it. Hopefully we can make some Busch Series history in the Hendrick Autoguard Chevrolet.” In a career that spans three decades, Martin has earned 89 NASCAR victories, including 35 at the elite NEXTEL Cup level and seven in the Craftsman Truck Series. The all-time leader in Busch Series wins and pole positions (30), he also has won a record five IROC championships. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Busch, 21, will join Martin in the Hendrick Autoguard program, piloting a No. 5 Chevy in the Feb. 24 Busch Series event at Fontana, Calif., where he became the youngest-ever NEXTEL Cup race and pole winner in 2005. ABOUT HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP: Hendrick Automotive Group encompasses more than 70 franchises and 5,000 employees from the Carolinas to California. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company generated revenue upward of $4 billion in 2006 after selling 100,000 vehicles and servicing over one million cars. For additional information on Hendrick Automotive Group, including dealership locations, please visit www.hendrickauto.com.