(Press Release from New Hampshire Motor Speedway)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is celebrating 25 years of racing at the track with a countdown of memorable moments
Fifty-year-old Mark Martin celebrates his fifth and final win of the 2009 season on the NHMS frontstretch. It would also be the final win of his illustrious 31-year career, as he retired from the sport officially in 2013 (Photo: Courtesy of New Hampshire Motor Speedway)
LOUDON, N.H. – Sixteen years after winning the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Mark Martin found victory lane in the 2009 SYLVANIA 300, the first race of that’s season’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. Martin would go on to finish second to Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson, as his quest to win his first Sprint Cup Series title fell just short.
This unforgettable moment goes down as No. 10 as New Hampshire Motor Speedway celebrates 25 years of racing at the Magic Mile with its top 10 all-time Magic Mile moments.
“I fought hard for that race,” said Martin, whose win at NHMS was his fifth of the season.
With five laps to go, a caution took away Martin’s built-up lead, setting up a three-lap shootout restart for the checkered flag between Martin and Juan Pablo Montoya. Martin chose the outside lane on the restart and edged Montoya in turn 1, running away to win the SYLVANIA 300. Denny Hamlin slid in to finish second, and Montoya finished third.
“Montoya had the fastest car,” said Martin. “I knew he wouldn’t slip, so I tried to give him enough room. But I ran my race, too.”
Seven of the top-10 finishers were Chase drivers. Martin entered the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship leading in points, due to his four previous wins. His fifth win in the SYLVANIA 300 ensured that he maintained that points lead.
Great seats are still available for the Oxford Casino Season of Speed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 301 right around the corner on Sunday, July 19. To purchase tickets please call the NHMS ticket hotline at (603)783-4931 or visit www.nhms.com.
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