Martin says 15-year-old Logano ready for big-time

By DAVID POOLE

The Charlotte Observer

The driver who would be Mark Martin's first choice to replace him as driver of the No. 6 Ford will not be in the car after Martin retires from full-time competition at the end of this season.

"I'll tell you exactly who I would put in the No. 6 car in a heartbeat," Martin said. "Joe Logano turned 15 a few days ago, and if NASCAR would let me I would make Jack Roush let us put him in the 6 car. He's already ready. He's the man."

Martin has been singing Logano's praises since early this year. Logano can't race in the Nextel Cup, Busch or Truck series until he's 18, but he has already made his debut in the Hooters Pro Cup series.

"I am absolutely 100 percent positive, without a doubt, that he can be one of the greatest who ever raced in NASCAR," Martin said. "I know it. I've watched him race and there's no question about it. I'm more sure of it that I was sure of Matt Kenseth. I'm more sure of it than anybody I've ever seen turn a wheel."

Martin went to a test at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla., in January with Logano. Logano drove his own car and Martin's Cup car and it's an understatement to say Martin was impressed.

"He can do it," Martin said. "I know what I am talking about. Everybody wanted to know, 'How did you know with Matt Kenseth.' I don't know, but I watched him a little while and I knew he could do it. It's what I do."