Monticello — Mark Martin will return in 2010 to drive the No. 5 Chevrolets of

Hendrick Motorsports for the entire 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It

will be the 22nd full-time Cup campaign of Martin's career and his second

with car owner Rick Hendrick.

Last July, Martin signed a two-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports

covering one full Sprint Cup season in 2009 and one part-time schedule of 26

events in 2010. The revised agreement was signed this past week.

With his April 18 victory at Phoenix, Martin became just the fourth

driver to record 400 top-10 finishes in Sprint Cup competition. It was his

36th career win in NASCAR's top series.

"It means a lot to drive the No. 5 Chevy for Rick and for Hendrick

Motorsports," said Martin, 50, of Batesville, Ark. "I'm in the best

condition of my life, I'm recharged, and I'm motivated. Going to the

racetrack every weekend is still really fun, and that's the key. There's

more gas in my tank."