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NASCAR WCUP: Mark Martin recovering from successful back surgery

1 December 1999

By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

NEW ORLEANS: Mark Martin, driver of the Valvoline Ford Taurus on the NASCAR Winston Cup Circuit, underwent successful surgery to repair damaged vertebrae in his lower back. He was released from the hospital Friday.

``I'm glad to be home,'' Martin told reporters. ``But I'm getting bored. I'm not in any pain, which makes it even tougher to take it easy and rest." ``The doctor told me I had to stay in bed for the next two weeks to make sure the fusion heals properly. I can get up and walk around every few hours, but other than that I have to lie down," continued Martin.

The NASCAR Winston Cup banquet is to be held this Friday evening in New York City. Martin will not attend the banquet. He has already planned to provide a tape of his ceremony speech.

The top ten drivers are honored at the awards banquet. Martin finished third in the final Winston Cup points.

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