Martin sets IROC record at Daytona

Mark Martin became the winningest driver in IROC history, moving past the late Dale Earnhardt and Al Unser Jr., by taking the season-opening race Friday night at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Martin earned his 12th International Race of Champions victory by passing fellow NASCAR Nextel Cup star Matt Kenseth on a restart with four laps remaining. Martin held off Martin Truex Jr. over the final laps and beat him to the finish line by a half-car length.

Bobby Hamilton, NASCAR’s truck series champion, was third. Kenseth ended up fourth after leading 31 of the first 36 laps in the 40-lap event.

Martin is tied with Earnhardt as the series’ only four-time champion, and he is in a perfect position to make it five after winning the opener.

NASCAR Busch Series

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has his work cut out for him if he is going to win a fourth straight NASCAR Busch Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Earnhardt qualified 26th in the 43-car field for today’s Hershey’s Take 5 300. Joe Nemechek won the pole on the 2 1/2 -mile, high-banked oval at 182.452 mph.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Bobby Hamilton was awarded a victory in the wreck-filled Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway after Jimmy Spencer initially took the checkered flag and drove into the winner’s circle.

Hamilton took the lead after a restart with one lap to go, but Spencer was back in front when an eight-truck wreck started. However, before the caution flag came out, Hamilton moved back in front. NASCAR officials quickly changed the result. Spencer smiled and shook his head after he was told the news.

Todd Bodine sideswiped Rick Crawford early in the race, turning him sideways and sending him sliding toward the pits. Crawford’s truck flipped once.

No one was hurt in the two accidents.