Mark Martin

CONCORD, N.C. (May 17, 2008) – Mark Martin and the U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. Team went with a two-tire strategy for the last 25-lap segment in Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The strategy backfired, as Martin’s No. 8 Chevy Impala SS became too loose during the final run and the end result was a ninth-place finish.

“We had a really good car tonight,” said Martin, who ran as high as fifth. “We got a little too loose there at the end and fell back, but I liked the way the car handled. We had good power all night and I’m excited about bringing the U.S. Army Chevy back here next week for the Coca-Cola 600.

“Tony Gibson (crew chief) and the guys on this Army team continue to work with these cars and we get better each week. Again, we are looking forward to coming back next week and seeing what we have. We want to have a great showing in the soldiers' car for the Memorial Day weekend race.”

Martin started the race 13th and moved inside the top 10 by Lap 12. The race was divided into four 25-lap segments and Martin closed out the first segment in seventh position. He moved up to fifth by lap 51 and finished the third segment in the same position.

Kasey Kahne, who opted to stay out on old tires for the final 25-lap segment, won the event and the $1 million first-place prize money. Kahne was voted into the All-Star Race by the fans.

Martin had a close call in the waning laps, getting loose on the inside to the No. 20 car of Tony Stewart. Martin was however able to save his car and hold on for the finish.

The No. 8 team will look to build momentum as the series returns to Lowe’s Motor Speedway next week (May 25) for the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race of the year. Martin won the Coke 600 in 2002 and boasts four Sprint Cup wins at Lowe’s.