NASCAR

Deficit won't alter Martin's mood, or his approach

- rgreenjr@charlotteobserver.com
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
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  • Ford 400 Qualifying

    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)

  • NASCAR Homestead Auto Racing

    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)

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  • 92987380JH017_Ford_400_Prac

    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)

  • 92987380JH018_Ford_400_Prac

    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)

  • NASCAR Homestead Auto Racing

    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)

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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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