Martin wins running on fumes

Last update: June 14, 2009 - 9:26 PM

BROOKLYN, MICH. - Mark Martin saved just enough gas to hang on for victory Sunday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.

Jimmie Johnson dominated most of the LifeLock 400 and took the lead from Greg Biffle six laps from the end as Martin watched the duel from third place. Johnson, the three-time reigning Cup champion, ran out of gas two laps from the finish, giving the lead to Biffle. But Biffle also ran out of gas as the final trip around the 2-mile oval began, clearing the way for Martin, 50, to drive to the front.

His No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet also was left with an empty tank on the last lap, but he was able to coast to the finish line almost three seconds ahead of runner-up Jeff Gordon.

"My car was good, but I couldn't run their pace and save gas," Martin said. "When Jimmie ran out, I said, 'Heck, we're this close. I'm going to run hard. With three quarters of a lap [left], what can happen?'"

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