By Peter Turford - Southern Ontario Sprints.com

In 2007 a rookie to sprint car racing by the name of Justin Martin started competing with the SOS. He showed flashes of speed, but he also took a couple of nasty rides and bent some metal. In 2008 his team put together a new car and went racing - mostly in Michigan, running non-wing with the MTS - he put together a solid season, including qualifying for the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. In 2009 Justin returned to the SOS and while many expected his career path to continue on an upward trajectory - it is doubtful he was many people's pick to become series champion - but he proved them all wrong and by season's end was series champion. Justin has taken some time to answer our questions.

1: Tell us about your pre-sprint car racing background.

Before I made the transition to a 360 sprint car, I had the privilege of racing for my father at Grand Bend speedway racing micro sprints. While I raced for him for 5 years I racked up 2 championships, 2 driver of the year awards and a rookie of the year honor. I made my first transition from asphalt to dirt when I moved into the #62 Larry Knott Auto-body 440 micro outlaw sprints where I raced part time on dirt at Wonderland Speedway while I was in high school. Once I moved on from high school I decided to go for it and we bit the bullet and bought a 360 sprint. 

2: What was the biggest lesson you learned on your way to the championship?

The Biggest lesson I learned as a driver on my way to winning the championship, was the aspect of going into every race the same. Myself and team came into every race focused on our goal, getting to the finish line with a clean nose which we did every race and the consistency paid off for me with good finishes.

3: What was your 2009 Chassis/engine combo? Any changes in either chassis or engine for 2010?

In the 09 season I drove the XXX chassis powered by Engine Research, the combo is going to stay the same for the 2010 season as we’ve had so much success with the XXX chassis and our motor.

4: Tell us about your team...

The team worked awesome this year with everyone working together to get the job done. My father Bob Martin was the main guy when it came to doing any maintenance work to the motor or car. John Watson took the role of Crew Chief on this year with my team and his knowledge from being a driver himself paid off in helping my development as a stronger driver. I have my girlfriend Paige who made sure everything was in order and ready to go as-well as turning some wrenches on the car. My Mother Lori handled taking care of the paperwork to signing the team in at the front gate to collecting the winnings at the end off the night, as-well as keeping everyone in-line. Also I can’t forget about the newest addition to my team, my daughter Lexi, as for now she’s just a racing baby being the best cheerleader she can be.

5: You became a father last year, does that impact in any way your approach to racing?

Not at all, it just means I have another fan cheering me on except this fan is special she’s my daughter. 

6: If somebody gave you a no-limit credit card and said "go have fun and race" what would you be driving and where?

I would have to say I’m still waiting for that day, but if it happened I would be racing a USAC Sprint, National across the States as-well as hitting the odd World of Outlaws Sprint Show.

7: Prior to starting your own career did you have any racing heroes?

I’ve always looked up to one of my hometown heroes Mark Sammut, and Sammy Swindell. 

8: You've driven winged and non-winged sprint cars as much as anyone in the region - what are the differences?

When I first jumped into a non-wing sprint car I tried to drive it like a winged car and I ended up 300 feet out in a corn field where the toe truck crew at Owendale speedway had to hook up every piece of rope, rubber bands and straps they could find to get me out of the field. I learned quickly that throttle control in a non-wing car is essential. You have to be smooth on and off the throttle, where in a wing car you can jump on the throttle quickly right in the middle of the corner or hold the gas down all the way around the track. The difference in down force is huge; the non-wing sprints are a little tougher to hook to the track and are much easier to spin the tires coming off the corner if you’re a bit off the set-up. That 5x5 wing atop the wing sprints plants the rear tires to the track and therefore the speed factor is much greater when driving a winged sprint car, but when it comes to excitement both cars put on an awesome show.

9: You ran the WoO show at Ohsweken last year - any major lessons there?

Besides the wing factor and being down over 200 hp to the outlaws, it’s amazing how they come into a track on any day of the week and our dead on the set-up every-time but that’s why they’re the best sprint drivers around. I hope one day I will be able to compete with them on some what of the same level and race side by side with Jason Meyers or Donny Schatz or any one of them. 

10: In 2009 your brother Jason took the plunge and got into sprint car racing - do you run as a team, or is it 2 separate deals? 

When we’re not on the track I would say you could call us a team, we’ve been trying to develop Jason quickly to become our development driver to test new products out as well as some different set-ups but once we hit the track we’re two different cars both racing towards the front.

11: What track would you like to race at, that you haven't so far?

I’d have to say Gas City in Indiana, but this year we’re looking to take the trip down there, whether we race wing or non-wing is still to be decided.

12: What is your favorite SOS track?

South Buxton by far, the track is always so heavy and tacky, as-well as being a very uniquely shaped track sporting the devil’s D.

13: Who is the toughest competitor in the SOS? Who is the most underrated driver in the SOS?

The toughest driver in the SOS I would have to say is the Joyceville Jet Ricky Wilson, I’ve seen him spin at the start of the race and be back up to the front in no time fighting for the win. As for underrated I would have to say Bob Crawford, he always finds a quiet way to get the job done and at the end of the year he’s always in the title fight among the top 5.

14: Can fans look forward to seeing you at any of the off-season car shows?

They can we will be at the CPT Racing Experience show coming up in January, we’re still working out the other shows but fans can check for updates at www.justinmartinracing.com 

15: Last question - is the off-season too long, too short or just right?

The off season is too long, quiet and cold. But thinking about the upcoming season and building a new car always helps the off-season pass quicker.