Subscribe to this blog's feed« We Won't Wait much longer.... | Main | Busch Takes Loudon »
June 28, 2008
Martin back to full-time? Why not?
By DAVID GREEN
The notion of Mark Martin coming back to full-time Cup racing status has been a topic of considerable discussion lately, with most of the speculation I've heard and read putting Mark in a Hendrick Motorsports car (the No. 5 soon to be vacated by Casey Mears).
There seems to be a lot of animosity on the part of some toward the idea of Martin coming out of semi-retirement. I'm not sure I can figure that out, but everyone has the right to his or her opinion.
I think there's little question that Mark is at the very top of the list of NASCAR's greatest drivers never to win the Grand National/Cup championship title. He's in very, very elite company, make no mistake, alongside greats such as Curtis Turner, Fireball Roberts, Junior Johnson, Fred Lorenzen, Davey Allison, Harry Gant, Tim Richmond and Lee Roy Yarbrough.
But all things considered, I rank Martin the best non-champ.
I can almost see him grimacing at the words. Mark has always maintained that he did not need a championship trophy to validate himself as a racer or as a successful person, and I take him at his word. But so much of what professional athletes do is molded by the perception of their fans, it's impossible to ignore the fact that some of the best drivers in the sport never managed to win the title.
The fact that he has come so close so many times (second to Earnhardt in 1990 and '94, second to Gordon in '98, second to Stewart in 2002; third four times, fourth three times, fifth once) is proof that he's worthy. It isn't a matter of being lucky to get close, it's a matter of being unlucky to never close the deal.
If he does go full-time again -- and I hope he does, if that's what he wants to do -- it will be a sort of third time around for Martin, who broke into NASCAR as a youngster back in the early 1980s, but ran afoul of professional and personal problems that set him back and sent him down from the major leagues.
He was down, but not out. And when he returned to NASCAR with Jack Roush in 1988, he was ready to take his place among stock car racing's best. And he was a more content, more self-satisfied person, to boot -- not so much because of racing success, but in a happy coincidence kind of way.
I've enjoyed watching his career, and there are few drivers I've watched for whom I have more respect. Mark is a gentleman and a racer, and that's not an easy pair of attributes to blend.
As for those who reject or resent the idea of him coming back, as I said, to each his own. I can't understand the negativity, but maybe the critics have never had a change of heart or mind about anything. So I won't debate the matter, other than to say I'm looking forward to it -- and to leaving the debate about best non-champ driver to fans of those other guys I listed.
June 28, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
Do you suppose Mark is considering a full schedule because his son, Matt, is no longer racing?
Posted by: Diane | Jun 28, 2008 2:02:07 PM
Diane, I have every idea that's part of it. Peoples' situations change. I'm glad Mark has options to let him pursue another full-time gig if he wants to.
Posted by: David Green | Jun 28, 2008 4:11:34 PM
I have also heard that Mark would come over to TRB and mentor Scott Speed...But I see Mark running part time in the #5 along with Brad Keselowski, who will take over full time in 2010 to compete against Joey Logano in the #20 Home Depot Toyota...BTW I was mildly suprised that Smoke didn't cover up the Toyota logo on his driver suit and he DID say Toyota!
Posted by: Fan #5 | Jun 28, 2008 5:42:59 PM
F5 - I've been really surprised because I've heard Tony say "Toyota" several times this week and a couple of times last week.
Posted by: Diane | Jun 28, 2008 5:59:59 PM
I have the highest respect for Mark Martin,
he's a class act but I just don't see him
driving a full schedule next year. He's
stated time and again that he only wants a
limited schedule because he wants to spend
more time with his family and do other
things. IMO, Mark will be sharing a ride
with another young driver in 09. Hey, there
are so many rumors floating around, anything
is possible.
Fan#5
I've heard the same rumors, Mark to TRB and
mentor Scott Speed. Mark along with Brad
Keselowski in the #5 at HMS. I agree with
you, I think, it will be Mark along with BK
in the #5. I wish Mark the best of luck
where ever he goes.
David
Good post, enjoyed it.
Posted by: Dottie | Jun 29, 2008 12:12:33 AM
David,
I agree with everything you said, he is the best non-champ NASCAR has ever seen. While digging around at Michigan I learned a very interesting thing that I have yet to confirm. Supposedly when Mark left Jack Roush there was supposedly an agreement that he would never run a full-time schedule again.
Now just as drivers can buy their way out of contracts I am sure Mark could buy his way out of the agreement if there is one. HOWEVER, with the exception of saying he was retiring, I truly believe Mark Martin is a man of his word and his integrity is top-notch. And with that I think he will not run the full schedule in 2009......
Nice piece David.
Posted by: Mark Young | Jun 29, 2008 12:24:51 AM
Hey David,
Gotta wonder if Mark is wishing that he left Jack sooner. Seems as he gets a taste of available equipment, he keeps driving on.
He is championship material and nothing would be more refreshing than old school comming back into style.
Go Mark!
Posted by: Larry | Jun 29, 2008 10:45:42 AM
Mark,
Maybe, the short seasons Martin has been doing were the result of that agreement. I think that once Martins original contract date expired at Roush, that he would be under no further obligation to not run a full season.
Posted by: Keith | Jun 29, 2008 12:52:19 PM
David,
Nice post. Martin is kind of an "under the radar" type of guy. You should be able to Google "champion" and have a picture of Mark Martin staring back at you. Excepting some missing metal on the mantelpiece, Mark Martin is and will always be a true champion.
Posted by: Keith | Jun 29, 2008 1:00:11 PM
Full time? Hell yeah, bring it on. With any team in any car with any sponsor.
Part time?
Go find something else to do and don't waste anyone elses time and money.
All the way or the highway.
Posted by: the6and9 | Jun 29, 2008 3:28:12 PM
As for Martin's contract with Roush, we're whistling in the dark speculating as to what it says. They paid people who make more money then we ever will a whole bunch to write down their agreement. Whatever it says, I hope it's clear.
There are two kinds of lawyers: those who draft iron-clad contracts, and those who make you wonder what those contracts really say.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Jun 30, 2008 12:43:15 AM
#5: The Keselowski-Martin duo at HMS makes sense.
#5 and Diane: "Good Tony" was on display, for sure, at New Hampshire.
Dottie: Thanks. I think a lot of things have changed for Mark; remember, his original intention was to leave the full-time Roush ride after the 2005 season, but he stuck around one more year at Jack's request. That relationship obviously became very different from what it once was, as has the family situation. The kids grow up and take on lives of their own. Sometimes, you grow closer; sometimes, not.
Mark: Following up on my note to Dottie above, I agree that Martin has great personal integrity. I don't see him changing his mind about his driving status as any contradiction of that.
Larry: Preach that old school stuff, baby! I love it!
Keith: Thanks, Chief. Well said.
6&9: Once upon a time, part-timers (see "Pearson, David -- 1973, 1976") did pretty darned well in this sport. They say those days are over, but "they say" is sometimes wrong. It wasn't only that '07 Daytona 500 in which Martin has shown himself to be plenty competitive as a part-time driver.
Doug: I'd bet you're the former, not the latter. If I ever need legal representation, are you licensed to practice in Kentucky?
Posted by: David Green | Jun 30, 2008 8:14:31 AM
I keep reading article after article about Mark and his part time schedule. It seems that no one, including journilists, with the exception of me has heard him say on numerous occassions, "I learned never to say never after 2005" when asked about racing full time in the future.
He has never ruled out the possibility...Enough with the you said you would never do it full time again. That was after he tired to walk away in 2005 and Jack coaxed him into staying another year. Things change.
Posted by: John | Jun 30, 2008 11:33:11 AM
"6&9: Once upon a time, part-timers (see "Pearson, David -- 1973, 1976") did pretty darned well in this sport. They say those days are over, but "they say" is sometimes wrong. It wasn't only that '07 Daytona 500 in which Martin has shown himself to be plenty competitive as a part-time driver."
Once again - everyone misses my point. I don't care how well he runs over one , two, or a handful of races. When he can put himself into the chase running this partial schedule - then I'll be happy.
Posted by: the6and9 | Jun 30, 2008 12:13:27 PM
I dont understand Martin's thinking. In my opinion he has somewhat tarnished his image. By all means he has the right to race until he's 80, but if that's what he wants to do that's what he should say, not keep trying to hide behind the idea of semi-retirement. I would like to add a name to the "never won a championship" list: Sterling Marlin. He would have won it if he hadnt broken his neck. Not to mention he has won 2 consecutive Daytona 500's and almost a third one. Martin hasnt even been able to win one of those. Just a thought.
Posted by: gray | Jun 30, 2008 4:49:40 PM
Welllll, this is what Big daddy is a thinkin were gonna see from the silly season, TS to drive the 5, but he buys the HAAS/CNC team,( gets all there goodies from Hendrick anyways) CM is in the 66 car and MM and BK split time in the 70 car. This gives Jr time to get JrMS up to speed in the cup program, MM goes FT in 2010 and BK goes FT in the JrMS car. Or another scheme 4 the 70 is MT driving 4 TSR. Alrighty folks, chew on that 1 and see how it tastes. But personal gut feeling, TS in the 5 and owning the 66 and the 70. Wait and see you heard it here 1st.
Posted by: Big Daddy | Jun 30, 2008 5:51:46 PM
Mark needs one more year full time in cup. After that point, he can call it a career. Him and Jeff Burton are soo much alike in their driving styles. Look at Jeff Burton for example. He is second in points, but he has been killing the competition with solid top 15 runs. Look at Mark Martin's career. He never was the aggresive take everything at all cost racer. He would drive what he had and bring it home in one piece. Look for Martin to drive one more full year in that 5 car. This is his redemption chance from the debacle in the early 90's. Brad Kesolowski could fit in there somewhere, but I think Martin should run that car by his self full time.
Posted by: cmego2 | Jun 30, 2008 9:32:54 PM
I think It would be GREAT having him back full time!! I usually only watch if he's running, so being able to catch every race again would be nice...
Posted by: julie | Jul 1, 2008 9:50:45 AM
John: I agree with you. If any of Mark's critics can honestly say they never changed their minds about anything, then they are free to criticize Martin. I'm reminded, however, of the old proverb, "A wise man changes his mind; a fool never does."
6&9: I'm not sure anybody is missing your point, but I'm fairly certain you are not getting mine. Pearson never contended for championship titles in those two seasons when he was winning races at about a .700 clip. If "making the chase" is your benchmark, fine. I get it. I don't guess the new generation of fans will ever "get it" that some of us care more about winning than we do about championship titles. Bottom line: If a guy can run once a year and be competitive, good for him. Or so it says here. You have every right to reject that notion if you want.
Gray: I don't know how Martin's image should be suspect, except to people like the ones I alluded to in my response to John above. Come on -- he never signed any pledge never to race again, as John pointed out. As for Sterling, he's certainly a talented driver. But Michael Waltrip also won two Daytona 500s, and Derrike Cope won one. That's special, no doubt about it. But in and of itself, it doesn't put either driver into the top echelon. Mark's entire body of work is far superior to Sterling's resume.
Big Daddy: OK. BTW -- Ur a bg txt msnger, rnt u?
cmego2: I agree that Jeff and Mark are similar drivers. Similar classy fellows out of the cockpit, as well.
Julie: I bet Mark has lots of fans who feel that way.
Posted by: David Green | Jul 2, 2008 8:04:15 AM
Without looking it up, name Mark's last Cup points win.
Better yet - I don't think he's been in the top 15 in points yet this year. And in his 12 starts he only has 5 top 10's. While that's impressive, it must leave the people valuing wins over consistency a bit dissapointed - because that's definatley a consistent run!
"I don't guess the new generation of fans will ever "get it" that some of us care more about winning than we do about championship titles."
lol - it's okay to win the battle and lose the war now? lol - j/k
Full time - I'd support the hell out of him. I don't like this pansy partial schedule crap. But, that's just me.
Posted by: the6and9 | Jul 2, 2008 2:35:22 PM
I want to be there when you tell Pearson his schedule in the Wood Brothers car is evidence he was a "pansy." I don't want to be too close, but I want to be there.
Posted by: David Green | Jul 3, 2008 12:48:23 AM
lol - you won't catch me being that stupid!
But back in those days - being selective about the races you ran was the right thing to do with the limited budgets that those teams had and the small purses. See, I could justify it and be ok with it if that was the case here. It's not. It's frickin' DEI. It boils down to one thing - Mark didn't want to run a full schedule. Period. And I think this "mentoring" crap is just a...whatever.
I attribute Regan Smith's "success" (and by that I mean keeping his car in the T35 and finishing races) to his 5 years in the Busch cars and his time in the Trucks. NOT to watching Mark drive around the track.
And no...I am not calling Mark a pansy!
Just the schedule! lol
Posted by: the6and9 | Jul 3, 2008 2:15:26 PM
Well David, not a real big fan of text mess., too damn expensive, however looks like Mark Martin (if this is better) is gonna be in the 5. Good luck to everyone @ Daytona and have a happy and safe 4TH of July.
Posted by: Big Daddy | Jul 3, 2008 2:50:50 PM
6and9: OK. I think we "get" each other now. You make a good point about how long it has been since Mark was in victory lane. He has been in position to win, just like he often was as a full-timer, but has not closed the deal. Good trivia question: In this period of NASCAR history (dare we call it the post-modern era? and would that make us "post-modernists"?), has ANY part-timer won a race? Should we count Jamie McMurray in his pinch-hit victory for Sterling at Charlotte, since that was a full-time team with a stand-in at the wheel, unlike the Wood Brothers car and Pearson?
Big Daddy: As long as we successfully communicate, it doesn't really matter how. Right? (By the way -- I don't text, either. My fingers are too darned big and too darned arthritic to dial phone numbers on these miniature cell phones, never mind type words or shorthand text.) Thanks for offering your thoughts.
Posted by: David Green | Jul 5, 2008 5:26:25 AM
Post a comment
Advertisements
