Mark Martin to deputise for Denny Hamlin with Joe Gibbs Racing

Mark Martin will drive for Joe Gibbs Racing while Denny Hamlin recovers from a fractured vertebra in his lower back.

Martin's first start in the No 11 Toyota will be next week at Martinsville Speedway, where he was not scheduled to race.

Brian Vickers had already been pencilled in to drive Martin's car for Michael Waltrip Racing at Martinsville.

Martin has driven one other time for JGR, in the Nationwide Series last year at Las Vegas.

Hamlin is expected to miss at least five races while he recovers from the injury.

JGR did not specify how long Martin will be in the car, but the fifth race is at Talladega, a track Martin has opted to skip the last few years.

Turns out Martin's doing his scheduled races at MWR, and Vickers will do the rest in the 11.

Can't say I blame MWR, given the choice between the 2 I'd take Martin any time.