Mark Martin, in the twilight of his career, can't seem to get away. He seems to be racing more now than before the announcement of his retirement. He even gave up his #6 for Roush Racing after 19 years to take a part time schedule with Ginn Racing, former MB2 Racing. He's eliminating the tracks he doesn't do well at and racing part time Busch and truck series vehicles for both Ginn and Hendrick Racing teams. He's managing almost as many races as he would if he ran a full series. He's leading the points for the first time since September 22. 2002. He's had two consecutive top five finishes in the beginning of the season, which he has never done before. So why does he want to back off when he is doing so well?
With a second place finish at Daytona and fifth at California, Martin is just having fun.
"I?m rolling and having the time of my life,? he said. "This team is awesome. It?s just great working with the guys on the U.S. Army Team and the guys at Ginn Racing. We?ve had cars good enough to win in both of the first two races and that really says a lot about this organization and where it is going."
Martin's excellent runs have boosted the team spirit too. For the second week in a row, the #01 Army crew won the Checker's/Rally's double DriveThru challenge by spending the least amount of time on pit stops and has a nice lead in the competition.
?The Army crew keeps coming through with fast stops when we need them" Martin said. "They did a good job all day and got me to the checkered flag with a top-five finish. It was another great team effort.?
Martin is running the best he's run in a long time and has the opportunity to keep going to get the one thing he's always wanted, a Cup Championship. But the "nicest driver in NASCAR" keeps stating that he will not run a full series.
``I can, as of right now, say I am fine with things,'' Martin said. ``I can't say how I will feel after Atlanta. I know I don't want to run for the championship this year.''
Following Atlanta will be Bristol's Food City 500, the first race Martin is scheduled to miss. He made a commitment to run late model race cars in Lake City, Florida that weekend with his son Matt and motocross rider turned NASCAR driver Ricky Carmichael.
But rumor has it that ex-teammate, Matt Kenseth has a $200 bet that Martin will run the rest of the season. He doesn't believe Martin would step back after being in such a good groove. Is it possible to be at two places at once? If anyone can do it, the Iron Man can. Only time will tell.
