Mark Martin will leave Roush Racing

TALLADEGA, Ala., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Mark Martin announced that after 19 years he is leaving the Roush Racing team next season and will join MB2 Motorsports on the U.S. Nextel cup circuit.

The veteran Nextel Cup driver has run a limited schedule for the past two years.

At a news conference Friday, the 47-year-old Martin, who has 35 career wins, said he will drive 22 races for MB2 next season, including the Budweiser Shootout and Nextel All-Star Challenge.

The other races will be driven by Regan Smith. Joe Nemechek will drive a third MB2 entry next year.

"Joining MB2 is a win-win situation for me," Martin said. "I not only get to drive, but I also get to teach and I love doing both. I have had a great 19 years with Roush Racing. It was a difficult decision to move on."

Martin added that his focus is on the next seven races remaining on the "Chase" for the Nextel Cup Championship this year.