Associated Press

NASCAR driver Mark Martin (right) said Friday he didn't immediately jump when Rick Hendrick (left) offered him a fulltime ride.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Mark Martin's decision to drive for car owner Rick Hendrick starting next year was not as easy as it would seem.

Martin actually told Hendrick that he didn't want to race full time even if it was for an organization that has won seven of the last 13 Cup titles.

Hendrick persisted. Martin, who turns 50 in January, relented.

A near-win at Phoenix in April and realizing how rare this opportunity is for an older driver changed Martin's mind.

Martin led at Phoenix until having to pit 11 laps from the end. He finished fifth but nearly winning that race sparked Martin.

"I want to win another race,'' said Martin, who owns 35 career Cup wins. "The motivation to really come do this deal was largely based on that I want to drive something I can win in, and I think these guys provide that for me.''

Martin, who has run a partial schedule the past two seasons, will race full time for Hendrick next year.

Martin will return to a partial schedule in 2010, allowing Hendrick to run a younger driver, likely Nationwide driver Brad Keselowski at this point, in select races and be mentored by Martin.

Martin admits he was taxed after the 2006 season. He had planned to retire in 2005 but ran the following year after car owner Jack Roush asked him to do so. He's needed the break since, skipping select races and tracks. Martin says he doesn't go more than two weeks in a row without a break the rest of this season.

He admits he's as relaxed as he's been. His wife, Arlene, also sees it

So, now comes Martin's final chance to win an elusive championship. He's finished second four times. Martin said he's not obsessed about that.

Asked what will make next year successful and he says it's to "contribute'' to a team that includes Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Martin's spot at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will be filled by Aric Almirola, who has shared the ride with Martin.

DEI dynamic duo

Paul Menard earned his first Cup pole, helping Dale Earnhardt Inc. sweep the front row for tonight's race.

Menard won the pole with a lap of 185.916 mph. Martin, his teammate, was next at 185.870 mph. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (185.437 mph), Joe Nemechek (185.288) and Johnny Sauter (185.250) complete the top five.

Points leader Kyle Busch starts ninth with Tony Stewart 17th, Jeff Burton 24th, Jeff Gordon 27th and Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman 34th.

Scott Riggs and J.J. Yeley failed to qualify.

Drug testing

NASCAR chairman Brian France says series officials continue to study whether to alter the series' drug testing policy. Series officials had anticipated an announcement by now, but France said one could come in about six weeks.

NASCAR can test based on suspicion. A failed drug test leads to an indefinite suspension.

NASCAR's policy has come under question after former truck series driver Aaron Fike revealed in ESPN the Magazine that he took heroin on the day of a race. Fike wasn't suspended by NASCAR until after he was arrested on drug possession charges last July.

France said, "I wouldn't look for some dramatic changes'' in what NASCAR decides to do.

Lawsuit investigation

France also said that NASCAR's internal investigation into the accusations made in Mauricia Grant's lawsuit against the series is nearly done. France says about 25 people have been interviewed.

"We've been very thorough,'' France said. "We have a pretty good handle on what we think the claims are and some of the conduct of Miss Grant and others.''