Deficit won't alter Martin's mood, or his approach
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
Getty Images
HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet, answers questions during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
AP
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin, second in the point standings, talks to the media at the Homestead-Miami International Speedway in Homestead, Fla. Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Getty Images for NASCAR
HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Mark Martin (2R), driver of the #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet, stands in the garage as crew members work on his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 21, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Getty Images for NASCAR
HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 21, 2009 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
AP
NASCAR driver Mark Martin gets out of his car during the practice session at the Homestead-Miami International Speedway in Homestead, Fla. Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
- The Sprint Cup starting lineup
- Time to give Mark Martin his due
- Perception, potential and racing ahead
- Johnson's dominance fine, France says
- A Q&A with NASCAR's Brian France
- How far back is too far?
- Speedway's sale puts shoppers on track
- 'The great ones all make it look easy'
- Here's your lock: Hendrick wins again
- Finishing 25th or better will do it
- Kurt Busch best in Friday practice
- Burton fastest in final Cup practice
- Martin has turn at top in early practice
- Video: Martin on his season
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – For all the attention directed at Jimmie Johnson's quest to win his fourth straight Sprint Cup championship, one man can still sneak away with the championship – 50-year old Mark Martin.
For a driver who cut back to part-time driving the two previous seasons, his return to full-time status this year has been an overwhelming success regardless of whether he wins the championship Sunday.
"I'm very comfortable with where I am right now," Martin said. "I'm very proud of my race team. To even give those guys (Johnson's team) any kind of run for their money is a tremendous accomplishment.
"I feel really good about things. I've had the time of my life. I'm in the best frame of mind since I've been an adult. I look forward to every time I have an opportunity to go strap in that race car and work with my team."
If Martin is to catch and pass Johnson in points Sunday, it will likely require improving on his Homestead record. In nine previous races at Homestead, Martin has an average finish of 12th place. He has four top-five finishes at the track.
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