The lasting image in my mind from Saturday night's race in Charlotte wasn't Kasey Kahne's impressive victory. It wasn't the dejection of Jeff Gordon facing the reality of his fifth championship having to come in another season. Not even Jeff Burton's strong run and increased point lead was the major story from Saturday. The lasting image to me was hearing Mark Martin confess to the world that him ever being a Nextel Cup Champion just isn't "meant to be".

As J.J. Yeley swerved down toward pit road from the middle of the track, he potentially and probably ended the championship hopes of NASCAR's Dan Marino. Being the greatest championship-less competitor is the absolute last thing an athlete wants to be in any sport. The reason: Forgetability! In football conversations, the names Elway, Montana, and Favre roll of the tongue as if they belong in the pantheon of great NFL quarterbacks. Any of us who witnessed Dan Marino play know that no one, not even those three threw the ball any better. No one has ever been more tenacious than Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. However, why are they so easily dismissed in these conversations? You know.

It would be a true shame if the same happens with Mark Martin. To argue that Matt Kenseth or Bobby Labonte are greater drivers than he would be a farce. However, they do have a "Cup" in their trophy case unlike Martin. Sure, Mark is not completely out of the Chase yet. He currently sits in fourth place in the standings, 102 points behind former teammate and admitted understudy of Martin's, Jeff Burton. However, the odds are certainly against Martin.

The word that best describes Martin and his career is certainly "consistency". However, maybe the word should be changed to "class". I cannot remember Mark ever getting out of his car without thanking the fans first. He, of course, thanks his sponsors, teammates, crew, car owner, etc., but its always the fans first. Not only is Mark a great human being, but he's also a great driver. Mark has finished second in the driver's standing an astounding four times and has finished in the top five in points 12 times. He has won 35 races in his Nextel Cup career as well as being the winningest driver in both the Busch Series and IROC series. Mark has won the most IROC championships and was an ASA legend before hitting the big time.

Mark has agreed to a part-time contract next year with MB2 racing, and who knows what will happen with his career after that. The sad truth is that this season is probably Mark's last true shot at a championship in NASCAR's highest level. Mark may have fallen short of the ultimate goal of his racing career. Mark may never be a Cup champion. However, I will watch the last five races of this season with both sadness and pride as the red, white, and blue #6 turns it's final laps with Mark behind the wheel. No matter what any stat sheet says, I know I'll be watching the essence of a champion. I'll be watching a true champion. I'll be watching the incomparable Mark Martin.