In the Pits- MB2

Marlin to join MB2 Motorsports

MB2 Motorsports announced that two-time Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin has agreed to a multi-year contract to drive the team’s No. 14 Chevrolet, beginning in the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.

The No. 14 will replace MB2’s No. 10, and the 2005 owner points earned from the No. 10 will transfer to the No. 14.

The team’s new number is in honor of Marlin’s father, Clifton “Coo Coo” Marlin, who drove the No. 14 while competing in NASCAR in the 1960s and 1970s. Mr. Marlin passed away in August.

“Sterling’s experience, success and popularity bring a new dimension to our growing organization,” said Jay Frye, MB2’s CEO and general manager. “He continues to have the desire to win. It’s a great fit and we look for the No. 14 team to have a lot of success in 2006.”

Regarding sponsorship for Marlin’s No. 14 Nextel Cup entry, Frye said that details are still being worked out with potential partners.

“We’re offering a unique sponsorship package,” said Frye. “The package consists of three 12-race primary partnerships that come with a large, 24-race associate sponsorship.”

A NASCAR icon with 671 Cup starts, Marlin is one of only three drivers to score back-to-back Daytona 500 victories (in 1994 and 1995). The other two drivers were Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough.

“You look at MB2 and see a racing organization that is on the upswing,” said Marlin. “The Army team and Joe Nemechek have proved that. This is a great opportunity to land with a first-class operation that has the necessary resources to be competitive.”

Marlin, who has driven the No. 40 car since 1998 for Chip Ganassi/Felix Sa-bates, was in pursuit of the season title in 2002, leading the Cup point standings for 25 straight weeks. However, a racing-related neck injury sidelined him for the final seven races, ending his quest for the championship.

“I still have some unfinished business as a driver and that is why I am really excited about joining MB2 Motor-sports,” Marlin added. “And to drive a car with the same number that my fa-ther drove makes the move to MB2 even more special.”

Photo caption: Sterling Marlin, who will run with MB2 Motorsports next season, signs autographs for fans