by Rick C. Limpert

Created on: March 26, 2007   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Martin For Once Needs to Be Selfish

Three races into the 2007 Nextel Cup series and nothing is final, but the driver sitting in first place in the standings is still claiming to be a part time employee, but few who know Mark Martin think he will remain in that part time role.

The 48 year old was looking to do things on his own terms this year, getting behind the wheel in 23 of the 36 events and handing the No. 01 Chevrolet over to Regan Smith once the traveling circus that is NASCAR hits Bristol in two weeks. Now Martin faces a decision he didn't think he would have to make, but after a photo finish second place effort at Daytona and with what looks like an underrated Ginn Racing team and excellent equipment at his fingertips it would be wrong of the NASCAR veteran not to enter himself in every race until he is eliminated from Cup contention if that even occurs later on this season.

It is not unheard of for athletes to remain competitive and vie for championships late in their careers. Jack Nicklaus won his sixth Masters title at the age of 46. Roger Clemens remains one of the top pitchers in baseball well into his 40's, and Martina Navratilova won a grand slam tennis title this past summer at the age of 49. One difference with Martin is he has never won a championship, and he knows right now he would be in the mix.

The positives outweigh the negatives as Martin approaches his decision. For one, it would add to his legacy in NASCAR history, it would create yet another story NASCAR fanatics can follow through the summer into the fall races. Regan Smith, while not behind the wheel would receive priceless on the job training seeing what Martin would be up against as he marches toward the season ending Chase, and Martin would have the opportunity to do what most great athletes only dream about doing, going out "on top".

For once Martin needs to shed his good guy, "old school" style and make a decision that is more in sync with the way he drives; hard-nosed, aggressive and go for it all. Mark, this is one case where we would encourage you to break out of character and be selfish.

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