Motorsports

Martin can share tips along with No.8 car

Tampa native Aric Almirola is already reaping the benefits of his part-time ride.

By By BRANT JAMES
Published January 12, 2008

DAYTONA BEACH - Mark Martin casts a long shadow in a NASCAR garage despite his jockey frame. These days Aric Almirola, taller, broader and less than half Martin's age, is often standing in that shadow. That's a good thing, despite the normal connotation of the metaphor. The 23-year-old Tampa native is close enough to see the light Martin sheds on the process of becoming a race car driver, far enough away for both to enjoy some sun as one begins a career and the other winds one down.

"He doesn't ask as many questions as Carl Edwards does," Martin, 49, said, recoiling into a laugh, enjoying his hidden meaning.

"I guess the answer is: He's not a burden. He doesn't ask too many questions that it's aburden. He asks some questions, but he watches and observes a lot."

There is much to learn. One of the first members of the Joe Gibbs Racing driver development program in 2004, he left Gibbs last summer for a chance to team with Martin, who has finished in the top five in points in 12 of his last 18 full-time seasons. Within a month, though, Almirola was a Dale Earnhardt Inc. employee when financially troubled Ginn Racing "merged" with DEI. Martin and Almirola continued to split time in the No.01 Chevrolet: Almirola made five starts, posting his best finish (26th) at NASCAR's top level Nov.11 at Phoenix. Late last year the two were named to replace the departing Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the iconic No.8 Chevrolet.

"It's incredible how much knowledge he has, just about the sport alone, not even just the driving, just the sport alone," Almirola said. "I'm a firm believer in that the only way you're going to be better and get help is to understand where the sport has evolved from, and Mark has been so good at telling me stories about back in the day when he first started and stuff like that. It's really neat to know where this sport has evolved from and what I've gotten myself into."

Almirola's season will begin March16 at Bristol and include both Talladega and road course races. He and Martin face an adjustment this season with crew chief Ryan Pemberton's decision to leave for Michael Waltrip Racing and Zephyrhills native David Reutimann. Just two holdover crewmen from the No.01 join new crew chief Doug Richert, who most recently worked with Brian Vickers at Red Bull Racing.

With Martin running another 24-race schedule as he eases into semiretirement, Almirola has the benefit of a personal driving coach/partner/buffer against not only the expectation of quick success or termination typical for young drivers, but a hedge against a fan base that very much liked Earnhardt Jr. where he was.

"I think the biggest thing that I try to get across to everybody is this is an opportunity for me," Almirola said, standing a few feet from Martin, fire suit rolled to his waist during a break last week at Daytona International Speedway. "I don't get to pick the number. I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited about driving the U.S. Army Chevrolet. It just so happens to be the number 8. I hope all the fans will understand that. They'll hopefully continue to be fans of the number 8."

There's a lot to like, according to anyone whose ever worked with the quietly determined son of a man who immigrated from Cuba during the "freedom flights," in the 1960s. DEI general manager John Story said Martin made it clear during his move from Ginn that Almirola was part of his deal or there would be no deal.

"A really fine young man," Martin said. " A great race car driver, has a good attitude and that's something I'm really enjoying right now, the good attitude."

And not at all a burden.

[Last modified January 12, 2008, 00:56:51]