Ricky Craven won’t replace Mark Martin in the No. 6 Viagra Ford for Roush Racing next year. Team owner Jack Roush indicated Friday that Craven will be back in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next season and that he is hopeful he can convince Martin to return for one more season in the No. 6 car before Jamie McMurray assumes the ride for 2007. Craven is in the first year of a two-year deal. The 46-year-old Martin had announced his intention to retire from the Nextel Cup series to run in the truck series next year. “Ricky’s future is and really has been in the truck series in my world,” said Roush. “Mark has agreed to come back in 2006 if I need him for the 6 car. Ricky was on the short list but he wasn’t the only choice I had for the 6 car for 2006. I had to look at Ricky’s progress and had to look at a number of things to make that final decision. But right now [it] looks like it’s off the table. Mark has said he’s coming back,” said Roush. Craven said that he was “a little disappointed” that he won’t be in the No. 6 car next year but he completely supports Martin and that if Martin returns, it would be an “excellent announcement” for Roush Racing. “That would be pretty exciting. He’s a pillar of the sport. He could win the points championship this year and if he does, he should come back and defend his title,” said Craven. Roush said he has been satisfied with Craven despite Craven’s recent struggles that have seen him fall from a close second in the points race to a distant fifth. Craven said he enjoys racing for Roush and still has a burning desire to return to the Nextel Cup ranks some day.(Bangor Daily News)(7-17-2005)
