July 28, 2008
By Matthew Pizzolato
Matthew Pizzolato
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Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride would be an apt description for Mark Martin if he finishes his career without a Cup title. Despite being one of the best drivers of the last two decades, the championship of the premier racing division in America has eluded the aging driver.
Still, Martin insists another shot at the title did not enter into his decision to join NASCAR’s premier team, Hendrick Motorsports.
“The championship was not a consideration... Being sure that I was getting into something that had a chance to win meant everything,” Martin told Dave Rodman in an article for NASCAR.com.
In 20 complete Cup seasons, Martin has finished 12 times in the top five and 16 times in the top 10, both of which are records. Four of his 12 top five finishes were in the runner-up position, the most recent being second to Tony Stewart in the 2002 season.
Yet, why would the aging superstar with absolutely nothing left to prove take the seat offered to him by owner Rick Hendrick when it would make more sense for a younger driver to be developed?
In an AP report, Martin was quoted as saying, “I just couldn’t let it go by. At this point in my life, I was very concerned about regretting it for the rest of my life.”
The very nature of his contract ensures that the 2009 season will be his only shot, as his two-year deal slates him to run just 26 races in 2010. If the ever-elusive title evades him again, will he be content to just run a partial schedule? Will he walk away as he did in 2006 when driving for Ginn Racing with a lead in the point standings?
“I feel five years younger than I did when I stepped out in 2006 after being so tired and frustrated and everything,” Martin told Dave Rodman.
How frustrated can a man with a lead in the points be? Does the 49 year old still what it takes to stand up to the rigors of competing full time again?
“I will say as much fun as I’m having this year in the No. 8 car, I was sure ready after seven weeks in a row and three tests to watch from the couch,” Martin said. “But there will be plenty of couch time later. I’ll just dig deep.”
Without a doubt, Martin’s decision to join Hendrick Motorsports creates a super team of drivers. All of Martin’s future teammates have won championships. Jimmie Johnson is a two-time champion while Jeff Gordon has four Cup trophies. Although Dale Earnhardt Jr’s, two championships were in what is now the Nationwide Series, he has a legitimate chance this season for a Cup title as he is currently second in the standings behind Kyle Busch.
Jimmie Johnson, Martin’s future teammate and driver of the 48 car, told Rodman, “There’s a lot we’re going to learn from Mark. And I’m really looking forward to the relationship and getting things started here.”
Getting things started? After one full season, the veteran will most likely be put out to pasture in favor of a younger driver to fill his seat.
In the AP story, car owner Rick Hendrick seemed unconcerned that signing Martin will create a problem for his other drivers.
“I think I’ve said it before," Hendrick said. “Mark will complement what we’ve got and make it better. And I talked about it with each of the drivers at length.”
Maybe driving with best equipment in the garage could make the difference Martin needs to win a title.
“It’s a legitimate shot at championships,” Hendrick said. “He’s finished second four times and I’d love to see him have an opportunity to get one.”
Many fans would have the final chapter of Martin’s otherwise storybook career end with him winning the championship and riding off into the sunset. Yet, will that be the case? Hopefully, he will make the most of it because his couch won’t care either way.
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.
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