Martin makes no apologies, puts his emphasis on the opportunity

THATSRACIN.COM OPINI0N

DAVID POOLE

The Charlotte Observer

Friday, Jul. 04, 2008

• David Poole's blog | This idea may sound shady

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Mark Martin changed his mind.

Stuck in what he called "a frustrated fog of emotion from being worn out," Martin walked away from full-time Sprint Cup competition after 2006.

But after two part-time seasons of running a 26-event schedule he said he loves, Martin will return for at least one more shot at a championship that so far has eluded him.

He'll drive a full season in the No. 5 Chevrolets for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009, joining Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at one of NASCAR's premiere organizations.

"I make no apologies for not knowing what my whole life holds for me," Martin said of his course reversal. "One reason I might appear to be a little indecisive is that you guys ask questions before I am ready to answer them - and I am such a nice guy that I try to answer them."

Since leaving Roush Fenway Racing, Martin has been asked if he had to choose between driving a full season or no races at all. He's said that he would choose no races at all, and until this offer came from Rick Hendrick that's how he felt.

"When you're pretty good at something and it has been the focus and driving force of your life for 35 years and you're still pretty good at it, you probably don't want to quit until you're not still pretty good at it," Martin said.

"When I looked at the field, the climate and the options out there to drive a limited schedule in something that I could win in, I didn't see anything that looked nearly as attractive as driving the 5 car."

The problem was that Hendrick wanted a full-time driver to replace Casey Mears. For Martin, that made the choice one between keeping the limited schedule or returning for another year of 36 points races.

As he talked things over with his wife, Arlene, ultimately things came down to something quite elemental. "I told Arlene I was pretty sure that with last breath I took on my deathbed I would be saying, 'I should have drove Rick's car when I had the chance,' " he said.

So, he will. The plan now is for Martin to run all of the races next year and then return to a 26-event schedule - 24 races plus the Bud Shootout and the all-star race - in 2010 while sharing the ride with another driver.

"I think he will make us all better," Hendrick said. "The best barometer I have is our other drivers, and when you mention Mark's name there is immediate respect and admiration."

Martin, 49, has won 35 Cup races and has finished second in the championship standings four times. Hendrick said Martin has "nothing to prove in the sport," but added that he thinks Martin will have "a legitimate shot" next season.

Martin said the time off "rekindled my passion for racing and what it means to me." But his competitive fire still burns. He said he wants to help crew chief Alan Gustafson and his team get the confidence they need to reach their potential. If that happens, he said, things will take care of themselves.

"I would like to start out with one win," he said. "You can't get two until you get one."

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