Martin, Jarrett Make Returns

Mark Martin and Dale Jarrett, pioneers of the Busch series, will return to their roots today in the Stater Bros. 300 at California Speedway.

Martin, the all-time Busch leader in wins with 45, will be making the first of eight Busch starts this year while closing out his career as a Nextel Cup driver. He had won at least one race in nine consecutive years before being shut out last year. He will try to start a new streak in a Jack Roush Ford.

Jarrett, who first drove in a Busch race in 1982, the year the series became a national touring series, will be making his first start in five years.

“I definitely believe there is something that can be learned by running in the Saturday race,” Jarrett said. “I’m 48 years old and I’ve been at this for a long time now, but I feel there are a lot of things that I can learn, and hopefully that translates into information for us on Sunday.”

Greg Biffle, who is among seven former Busch series champions entered, won both of the races last year at Fontana and is coming off an eighth-place finish at Daytona.

“It’s always exciting to go back to an event as the defending champion,” the Vancouver, Wash., veteran said. “In the case of California Speedway, it’s even more special. The first few weeks of the season set the tone for the year, and I’m really looking forward to working with a young group of guys that have been knocking on the door of success for the past few seasons.”

Biffle won the series championship in 2002.

“Everyone always brings their A-game to California, because it is such a demanding track to race on, not to mention one of the most high-profile markets we go to,” Biffle said.

Qualifying will begin at 10 a.m. and the Stater Bros. 300 will start at 3 p.m. Nextel Cup qualifying starts at 12:10 p.m.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will participate in pre-race activities Sunday and attend the Auto Club 500, speedway officials said. The race will start at 12:10 p.m.