In a rough and tumble race that resembled more of an episode of the hit TV series Deadliest Catch, Martins Motorsports driver Tommy Joe Martins, who has recently partnered with the program's Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie, steered his #95 Ford Fusion much like the Captain would in the treacherous Bering Sea to an impressive 8th place finish in his Daytona International Speedway and ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards debut.
Immediately after the green flag was waved at the start of the race, it was evident that the Ole Miss junior was not your average rookie. From his 28th starting spot, he quickly catapulted himself into the top 15 where he remained for a majority of the race. With 10 laps remaining, Crew Chief Ronnie Smith radioed Tommy Joe that it was "time to make your move." Martins stayed glued to the rear bumper of the #4 of Ricky Carmichael to bring home a stout 8th place finish, picking up 20 positions from his original starting spot as well as carrying the torch for Ford the as their top finisher.
Martins said, "I had a blast out there and really learned a lot. I'm excited for the whole team, they've worked their tails off and really deserve this. My thoughts and prayers tonight are with Capt. Phil. He's a tough guy, and I know he'll pull through it and be back on the Cornelia Marie before long."
Phil Harris is being treated in an Anchorage AK hospital since January 29th after being found unconscious in his state room, after suffering an apparent stroke.
"I really want to thank the guys from PreSun Sunscreen for stepping up and becoming our primary sponsor in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. They were great to work with and we look forward to possibly working with them in the future," Martins said.
The Martins Motorsports team is currently making preparations for the Atlanta 200 race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Saturday, March 6th. They have a 12-14 race schedule planned combining events in the ARCA Racing Series and the CWTS.
Martins Motorsports is based out of Nashville in the former Sadler Racing facility. The 10,000 square foot building has been home to some of the "NASCAR Greats" including Davey Allison, Jeremy Mayfield and the late Bobby Hamilton just to name a few. (2/9/2010)(ARCA)
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