Fuel-saving strategy wins one for Martin

BROOKLYN, Mich. - Mark Martin saved just enough gas to hang on for victory yesterday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.

Jimmie Johnson dominated most of the LifeLock 400 and took the lead from Greg Biffle six laps from the end as Martin watched the duel from third place.

Johnson, the three-time reigning Cup champion, ran out of gas two laps from the finish, giving the lead to Biffle. But Biffle then proceeded to run out of gas as the final trip around the two-mile oval began, clearing the way for the 50-year-old Martin to drive to the front.

His No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet also was left with an empty tank on the last lap, but he was able to coast to the finish line almost three seconds ahead of runner-up Jeff Gordon.

Courting foreign companies. NASCAR says it would be open to other foreign manufacturers joining Toyota in stock car racing.

Chief executive Brian France says nothing is imminent, but talks with several companies have been ongoing for a long time.

Benson hurt in crash. Reigning NASCAR truck champion Johnny Benson was in serious but stable condition after a fiery crash during a Super Modified race at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Mich. His car slammed into the wall and erupted into flames.

The 45-year-old from Grand Rapids, Mich., reportedly had multiple injuries, including burns and broken ribs.

LE MANS, France - Peugeot driver Marc Gene of Spain won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Gene, David Brabham of Britain, and Alexander Wurz of Austria completed 382 laps in 24 hours, one lap more than the Peugeot driven by the French trio of Sebastien Bourdais, Franck Montagny, and Stephane Sarrazin.