Matt Martin (racing driver)

Matt Martin
Born (1991-12-17) December 17, 1991
Related to Mark Martin (father)
Previous series
2006
2006
2005
2004		 FASCAR Pro Truck and Sportsman Series
ASA Late Model Series
FASCAR
FASTRUCK

Matt Martin (born December 17, 1991) is an American stock car racing driver. He is the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin.

Career

Martin's career began in quarter midgets when he just was seven years old. His racing experience also includes Bandoleros,[1] Legend cars, the FASTRUCK Series, and the FASCAR Pro Truck Series. He received the nickname "Little Intimidator" due to his driving style.[2]

In 2003, Martin was signed to a driver development contract with the Ford Motor Company, making him the youngest member of the Ford racing family. By 2004 at age 13, Martin had five wins in the FastKids division of the FASTRUCK Series, a series for youths aged 12 to 17.[3]

In 2005, he won two races while competing against drivers ten to twenty years his senior in the FASCAR league. He raced the No. 66 Ford F-150 Truck. In the game video NASCAR 06: Total Team Control which takes place in 2005, Martin can be noticed as a fantasy driver for the Whelen Modified Tour. In 2006, at 14 years of age, he ran a limited schedule in the southern tour of the ASA Late Model Series, as well as running in the FASCAR Pro Truck and Sportsman Series. He won a late model race at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida and finished third in the season points.[4]

During the 2007 season, Matt was moved over from the Ford Motor Company development program to Ginn Racing's development program; headed up by Mark Martin. Matt planned on running a late model schedule very similar to teammate Ricky Carmichael. Mark and Matt planned on working together throughout Mark's limited NEXTEL Cup schedule. During a March 8, 2008 airing of Speed Channel's Trackside, Mark announced that Matt ended his racing career. Mark stated his son wanted to concentrate on his education but didn't rule out a possible return to racing;[5] later that year Matt Martin stated that racing was "not my thing [anymore]".[6]

As of September 2010, Martin has moved to North Carolina to take an internship with Hendrick Motorsports, working with the organization's strength and conditioning coach.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Godwin, Kelly (June 27, 2002). "Matt Martin hits road". Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
  2. ↑ Lipsyte, Robert (March 11, 2001). "Good Instincts Give Rise to 'Little Intimidator'". The New York Times. New York, NY. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  3. ↑ "Speed racer: Matt Martin, 13, is on the fast track — just like his famous dad". Know Your World Extra. February 25, 2005. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
  4. ↑ Voda, Krista (October 23, 2005). "Behind the Chase: Matt Martin follows father's tire tracks". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
  5. ↑ "Martin says son Matt is no longer pursuing a career in racing". Scene Daily. June 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
  6. ↑ Smith, Steven Cole (July 5, 2008). "Mark and Matt Martin each shift racing futures". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, FL. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  7. ↑ "Prior altercations may affect Chase races". Roanoke Times. September 18, 2010. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
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