DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Mark Martin is returning to NASCAR Sprint Cup full time, agreeing to drive for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports in a final effort to win a championship that has eluded him for 24 years.

Martin and team owner Rick Hendrick announced the deal pairing the 49-year-old driver with one of NASCAR's top teams, Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

Martin will race a full schedule next season, replacing Casey Mears in the No. 5 Chevrolet. Hendrick is parting ways with Mears after this season.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press