Onward Towards Talladega:
Martin Prepares for First NASCAR Nationwide Series Start at Talladega Superspeedway
Charlotte, NC- April 30, 2013 – The excitement in the air is palpable as Martin and the TriStar Motorsports crew of the No.44 American Custom Yachts Toyota Camry complete final preparations on their racecar and begin the journey to Talladega. Martin last competed at Talladega Superspeedway in the ARCA Series in 2010 where he received a 10th place finish and again in 2011 where an accident ended his efforts early. This weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series event will be Martin’s first time racing in Talladega as a NASCAR Nationwide Series competitor.
Martin is looking forward to the opportunity to race, as a NASCAR Nationwide Series driver, on the track that he and many fellow Louisiana natives consider their “home track”.
Hal Martin on Talladega Superspeedway
How are you preparing yourself for this upcoming race?
Hal stated, “Since I’ve been able to race on this track twice before in the ARCA series, I feel like I have an idea of what I can expect this weekend. However, as always, I plan on talking with my knowledgable TriStar Motorsports teammates, Mike Bliss, Eric McClure, and Jeff Green beforehand so I can learn as much as I can about how these Nationwide Series cars handle this track. What I look forward to the most about this track is the opportunity for drafting, and pack racing on the high-speed superspeedway.”
Talladega is considered a “home track” for you and many Louisiana natives, does that add any extra pressure on you?
Martin replied, “Pressure, not really any pressure, but I always try to impress the home crowd. I always want to make sure I put on a good show for the fans but knowing that there are fans from my hometown who made the seven hour drive to see me race does add a little something extra.”
What memories do you have of coming to Talladega as a child?
“I remember coming to Talladega Superspeedway with my parents when I was around five years old,” Martin replied. “My favorite driver was Mark Martin and I would cheer for him until I couldn’t speak anymore. I’ve been fortunate enough to have made it to this level of racing and when I think about all of the little kids in the stands and their parents who take them there year after year just like I did is humbling. Coming to this track for me is like coming back to a part of my childhood. I can’t wait to visit all of my friends in the turn one camp grounds and get back to where my love of NASCAR and racing started.”
Do you have any appearances scheduled during your trip to Talladega Superspeedway?
Martin stated “This week my TriStar Motorsports teammates Mike Bliss, Jeff Green and I will be participating in the NASCAR Nationwide Series autograph signing taking place on Friday, May 3rd from 1:45pm – 2:30pm under the frontstretch grandstands. I hope to see a lot of hometown fans out there!”
Talladega Superspeedway Chassis Information:
This week, the No.44 American Custom Yachts Toyota Camry team will use chassis number 649. This chassis is a new addition to the No.44 team’s inventory and was a former Michael Waltrip Racing speedway car.
Saturday, May 4th, 2013
Talladega Super Speedway
2.66mile, High Banked, Superspeedway
Aaron’s 312
Broadcast Information:
TV RACE: ABC will broadcast race coverage starting at 2:30pm/EST
RADIO: MRN
Team Information:
Crew Chief: Greg Conner
Chassis Information: 649
Hal Martin
Career Highlights at Talladega Superspeedway:
Martin will be making his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start this weekend in the Aaron’s 312.
Martin has two previous ARCA finishes at Talladega Superspeedway: 2010 – 10th / 2011 – 28th
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