Martin Recovers From Surgery

NASCAR star Mark Martin is recuperating at home following lumbar fusion surgery.

The surgery, performed in New Smyrna, Fla., on Nov. 20, repaired damaged vertebrae in Martin's lower back. He was released from the hospital Friday.

"I'm glad to be home," Martin said. "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."

Martin, who finished third in the 1999 Winston Cup standings, will begin physical therapy Wednesday. He will miss NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet in New York Friday.

He will tape his speech in advance to be shown during the banquet.

Martin does not plan to climb into a race car until Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway in February.

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