Michael Waltrip Racing Welcomes Mark Martin in 2012

Ken Butler, president of Aaron's, joins Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip for today's
announcement. Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

This morning at Texas Motor Speedway, Michael Waltrip announced on behalf of Michael Waltrip Racing that Mark Martin will be joining the organization. Martin will be running 25 races in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons with an option for an additional year. As Waltrip phrased it, “We are hiring a future Hall of Famer.”


Martin will share the seat of the No. 00 Aaron’s ride with Waltrip and other drivers yet to be determined. Waltrip will run three of the plate races, the Bud Shootout and Kentucky. Martin will drive the Daytona 500.

When making the announcement, Waltrip said Martin is “elevating our whole program, bringing some experience and knowledge to our whole team."


For Martin, he says "It is the perfect schedule for me. Enables me to catch my breath and spend more time with the fans."


With the addition of Martin, the MWR stable of drivers will now include Martin, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr. along with Travis Pastrana in the Nationwide Series.


Martin and Waltrip are looking forward to the experience Martin brings to the team. Martin says, “To have some effect or say in the direction of the competition program (at MWR) is really exciting.”


Martin’s focus will solely be on the Cup Series – he will not run any Nationwide or Trucks races as he has done previously. 

"I've got plenty to do and get to do what I really love to do,” said Martin.