Jupiter: Hal Martin preview

Hal Martin Finds his Roots in Daytona: Gets Geared up for Palm Beach

Galliano, LA: Hal "The Ragin' Cajun" Martin driver for Mark Gibson Racing in the ARCA Series presented by RE/MAX and Menard's, brought a little extra Cajun flavor to Daytona while he was in town for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 earlier this month.

Martin attended a Mardi Gras themed event thrown by Tony Chachere's Creole Foods, a New Orleans based company, to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America.

"It was a great opportunity to be able to tie the event into the race and to help my friends at Tony Chachere's give the kids of Holly Hill a taste of New Orleans. We all had a blast," said Martin.

The 75 kids in attendance were entertained by Cajun inspired games and activities including face painting and a Mardi Gras mask parade. There was also an autograph signing with Hal Martin, a sixth generation Cajun himself, and of course plenty of Cajun cuisine.

Martin does not plan on spending all month celebrating Mardi Gras, there is more racing to be done in Florida.

Racing at the 2.034 mile, 11 turn, paved oval of Palm Beach International Speedway will be a first for ARCA and Martin. Although this will be Martin's first road course, he will have the experience of Mark Gibson Racing on his side. Martin will be sporting a new orange, black, and white paint scheme in the #59 Abundant Energy Dodge Charger.

"Anytime we get the opportunity to race somewhere new, it is always a fun experience," said Martin. "We will definitely be taking part in all of the practice sessions on Friday to get everyone as prepared as we can for our first road course."

-source: mark gibson racing