Veteran racer finds new life and Nextel Cup points lead
Mark Martin is off to the best start of his racing career and for the first time since Sept. 22, 2002, the veteran is on top of the NASCAR world.
When informed that he was the points leader Sunday night, a humble, but happy Martin said, "That's really cool. 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. We still have a long way to go, but we sure are off to a great start."
"It's really just been an awesome experience," added Martin. "I'm rolling and I'm having the time of my life." The plan is for Martin to run the next two races at Las Vegas and Atlanta, before giving way to rookie Regan Smith at the Bristol Race. Many question the validity of that plan given Martin's early success this season. One of the doubters is Martin's former teammate at Roush Racing -- Matt Kenseth, who is rumored to have a $200 bet that Martin will run a full season , rather than scale back.
Maybe this is what Mark needed. Get away from Jack Rousch and let good luck fly! Maybe he will fianally get that Championship (if he runs full schedule) and then HOPEFULLY he will retire!
I TOO, WISH HE WOULD HAVE RETIRED IN 05! I NEVER FELT THE "PITTY" SOME PEOPLE FELT FOR HIM. I COULDN'T GET PAST HIS RADIO CONVOS WITH CREW/SPOTTER:
1. AT RICHMOND IN 05 JUST BEFORE THE CHASE-HE RADIOED TO HIS SPOTTER ABOUT SCOTT RIGGS, "TELL THAT #10 TO GET AWAY FROM ME, HE'S SCARING ME!! TELL HIM TO LET ME PASS HIM, I'VE GOT TO GET INTO THE CHASE!!" WTF MARK, RACE YOUR #### AROUND HIM!
2. AT A DRIVERS MEETING AT THE START OF LAST YEARS CHASE, HE ASKS ALL THE DRIVERS, "CAN WORK WE SOMTHING OUT TO WHERE ALL THE DRIVERS IN THE CHASE LEAD AT LEAST ONE LAP TO GET THE 5 POINTS?" NO MARK, THERE AGAIN THIS IS A RACE.
SORRY TO THE MARK MARTIN FANS OUT THERE, BUT IT'S THE TRUTH.
Last edited by 8929fan on February 28th at 12:53 PM.
I'll probably make a lot of people mad by stating that, but I've been holding that in for along time! Feels good to get it out.
So, why did you change pictures?
"But all this must be suffered by those who profess the stern order of chivalry" Most Interesting Blog, June 16, 2008 and six other occasions. Lisa awarded him Best "breaking news" blogger March 31, 2008. Blog of The Day, Christmas Day, 2007. edhardiman wrote, "Falco's tribute to Rocket Richard reminds us all the stars of today stand on the shoulders of giants..." October 23, 2007. Three Golden Swirrly p00p Awards (Hockey, NASCAR and Use of Graphics), FlyingPig, July 18, 2007. 2007 Memorial Day Weekend Trifecta sponsored by williamwilman . Featured on WFORacingFans April, 2007. "Stylin'" award, Dusty, February 07. "One of ten new bloggers to watch" Dudski, January 2007.
