Keeping his No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet in the top-15 throughout the weekend’s three practice sessions at Texas Motor Speedway, Mark Martin was forced to settle for a 20th place qualifying effort.

After placing his car in the top-10 by the 64th lap, Martin began battling a loose handling car and began to lose positions. Dropping down to 18th in just 36 laps, Martin was able to regain his composure and make his way back into the top-15.

By lap 231 Martin had been placed one lap down by race winner Carl Edwards, but stayed resilient and returned back onto the lead lap to collect a 12th place finish in the Dickies 500.

“That was just a great effort by this U.S. Army team today,” Martin said. “The car wasn’t that good and we needed a little more speed, but I’m extremely proud how we battled back to finish 12th. We had excellent pit stops and that really helped to save the day."