With the #14 team now safely in the top 35 in owner points entering the Nextel Cup event at Martinsville Speedway, Sterling Marlin says the next goal for the Ginn Racing crew is to remain there.
Marlin started the 500-lap event at Bristol Motor Speedway - the fifth and last event of 2007 where qualifying was based on 2006 owner points - from 21st on the grid and, despite the Waste Management Chevrolet being both tight and loose at times, was able to stay out of trouble and finish 30th, securing a spot in the top 35.
He then took time out to answer questions about his place in the standings, the Car of Tomorrow and what he expects this weekend at Martinsville.
Q:
How does it feel to be in the top 35 in owner points and not have to worry about racing your way in each week?
Sterling Marlin:
It’s a big weight lifted off everyone’s shoulders. When you enter race weekend the number one goal is to win on Sunday - that’s the only thing that’s natural to us. So to come to the track each week and have to think about the Friday [qualifying session] before you can start thinking about Sunday is frustrating. Our next goal is to remain in the top 35 by consistently being competitive each week. Now we can come out and start focusing on making the Panasonic Chevrolet fast for the race. It’s a big relief.
Q:
Because of some bad luck at the end of the 2006 season, this is the first time you won’t have to qualify for a race on speed since Texas last November. What are your thoughts on that?
SM:
I’m thankful we made all the events we weren’t locked in to and that we can put it behind us now. We have to focus on being competitive and avoiding trouble so that we can climb through the point standings.
Q:
Of all the drivers who had to qualify for each of the first five events on speed, you were the only one who made all five races. What does that say about this race team?
SM:
It just shows what a strong, smart group of people we have working under the hood of this Panasonic Chevy. [Crew chief] 'Slugger' [Labbe] has made great calls and everyone on the team has done an outstanding job of putting fast race cars beneath me. It’s a credit to everyone, not just the guys who are here on the weekends, but to all the people back at the shop who work on this #14 Chevy.
Q:
You had a 14th-place finish at Martinsville last spring and were closing in on a top ten last fall when NASCAR brought you down pit-road and you ended up 21st. How do you think your Panasonic team will perform in this weekend’s Goody’s Cool Orange 500?
SM:
I’ve had some good runs at Martinsville Speedway in the past - including the last couple of times we were there. Last fall, we had driven from the back to the front and were looking at a top ten when NASCAR made us come down pit-road because they said something was hanging off the bumper of the car. But, when we got to the pits, there was nothing there. So that was pretty frustrating. But I’ve always liked Martinsville and know Ginn Racing brings good cars there, so I think when the green flag drops we should be able to collect a good finish.
![Sterling Marlin - Waste Management Chevrolet [pic credit: GM media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/289124.jpg)
