#5-Mark Martin says he feels “disrespected” because of speculation that Kasey Kahne will drive the #5 at Hendrick Motorsports in 2011. The 51-year-old driver insisted on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that team owner Rick Hendrick and crew chief Alan Gustafson fully support him staying in the car through the end of his contract. “I understand it’ll all come to a rest whenever they announce what Kasey is going to do [in 2011],” Martin said. “You should be focusing on that. What is Kasey going to do? Because I’ve told you what I’m going to do.” Martin once again was faced with questions about him fulfilling the final year of his contract in the 5 car after ESPN analyst Ray Evernham said he expected Martin to announce over the next three to four weeks that he will step aside for Kahne. “I made myself perfectly clear over the last several weeks,” Martin said. “There is no information or any change.”(ESPN.com)(7-23-2010)
UPDATE: Rick Hendrick says he’s prepared to honor Mark Martin’s deal to drive the #5 Sprint Cup car next season but he wouldn’t close the door on Kasey Kahne stepping into that seat. “If I tell you what I will do and what I won’t do and if I do something different because I haven’t thought about it, then you’ll think I lied to you,” the owner of Hendrick Motorsports said before Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I’m keeping all options open whether it’s with Chevy or something else. I’m trying to make everybody happy, all our sponsors, NASCAR. Martin insists he will be in the #5 in 2011 despite speculation that he will step aside for Kahne. Three months ago, Kahne signed to drive the car in 2012, with the promise Hendrick would get him a ride for 2011. Asked whether there was any way Mark wouldn’t be in the #5 next year, Hendrick said: “I can’t tell you that. Right now it’s his seat and it’s his call.” Hendrick said finding a solution for his situation has been tougher than he expected trying to mesh sponsors, manufacturers and drivers to make everyone happy. He understands Martin’s frustration.(ESPN.com)(7-26-2010)
