DAYTONA BEACH - Mark Martin expressed surprise on Saturday that car owner Jack Roush had revealed his future in the No. 6 Ford during a post-Truck race news conference the previous night, but the 45-year-old confirmed that he likely has three seasons or fewer in NASCAR.
Roush was explicit in his plans for his No. 6 Taurus after Carl Edwards, 24, won the season-opening NASCAR Trucks series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night.
"Carl is the heir apparent for the No. 6 car after Mark retires," Roush said. "I hope we can get Mark to keep going in the No. 6 car until we get Carl a championship in the truck series, then a chance to run for a championship in the Busch Series. I'd like three years, then I think he'll be in the No. 6 car."
Martin said he has "a schedule" and Roush has "been nagging" him to stay through 2006. Martin finished 17th in driver points in 2003, his worst effort in a full season. He had 13 top-10 points finishes since 1989 and finished second four times, including 2002, but has not won in 60 races.
POSTPONED: The Hershey's Kisses 300 Busch series race was postponed after 31 laps on Saturday because of rain. It will resume 11 a.m. Monday and will be televised live on TNT.
Gates will open at 7 a.m. All stubbed tickets and tickets to the Paddock Club and suites will be honored. The Daytona Club and Party Zone will not be open.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. led the 120-lap race, followed by Robby Gordon, Mike Wallace, Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday.
DRAFT: Earnhardt complained recently that few drivers want to work the draft with him anymore to gain an aerodynamic advantage and pass competitors.
Jeff Gordon said Earnhardt should not be surprised after winning five races on restrictor-plate tracks, where drafting is crucial.
"No. 1, he doesn't need anyone to work with him," Gordon said. "He can do it on his own, and No. 2 is, why would anyone work with somebody that is so much faster than everyone else? He is the one we're trying to beat. You don't necessarily want to work with someone you want to beat to win.
"You don't work with somebody when it comes down to it in the end, unless you think you can beat them."
That makes Earnhardt's drafting partnership with Tony Stewart all the more interesting. Stewart is one of the few drivers who will indulge Earnhardt - except for teammate Michael Waltrip - which has made for some interesting late-race duels recently.
In the end, Gordon said, it's nothing personal.
"If somebody doesn't help me, I don't think it's a personal thing. I think it's part of doing what you need to do to win."
PRACTICE IMPATIENCE: Stewart's No. 20 Chevrolet slid into the wall during the final practice session when it appeared John Andretti in the No. 1 Chevrolet closed off a narrow slot by moving up the track. Stewart's car had some body damage.
PIT STOPS: Ashlie Smith, 14, of Lakeland was the grand marshal for the Busch race. Smith has had treatment for a brain tumor since 1998 and is being treated at All Children's Hospital. ... The forecast is for overnight thunderstorms and a 50 percent chance of rain in the afternoon, according to weather.com.
