Kris Johnson: Martin's move somehow misses the markBy Kris Johnson -

COMMENTARY

It's hard not to like Mark Martin. It's hard not to like Brett Favre.

It's hard sometimes to accept when athletes "retire" and then fail to ride dutifully off into the sunset.

News this week that Favre reportedly has the itch to play football again called to mind Martin's farewell tour from a few years ago.

Now we know that Martin will compete on a full-time basis for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009.

It seems like only yesterday that Martin decided his days of full-time competition were over after 19 years with Jack Roush. His loyalty to Roush during that nearly two-decade span was unquestioned.

There have since been two part-time seasons with Ginn Racing/Dale Earnhardt Inc. with Martin saying repeatedly how much he has enjoyed the scaled-down schedule and the privilege of driving for DEI, what great cars he's had, etc.

Martin will turn 50 before next season begins. He'll be in the best equipment, but his best days as a competitor are behind him.

It's fitting in a sense that the announcement with Rick Hendrick came on Independence Day. Because Martin is, of course, free to do whatever he pleases, and when Hendrick comes calling, surely you have to listen.

What a lot of folks don't want to listen to anymore? Martin's verbal bouquets about how great part-time duty and his DEI cars are - to say nothing of any future claim regarding his status as an active driver. Based on how things have played out, they'll now ring hollow.

There is the romantic notion of Martin getting the Cup crown that has eluded him all these years with Hendrick. It is the only thing left for him to accomplish, but a couple of years ago it wasn't enough to keep him in a car full time. So it was then that he "retired" from full-time competition.

Some fans resent the fact that they purchased Martin's retirement-based memorabilia during his "Salute to You" tour.

Scene reader Tammy Moore of Lake Station, Ind., writes, "His fans were suckered into purchasing retirement merchandise [and] souvenirs, and track owners gave him retirement gifts, then he decides to run a partial schedule. Now he wants to run a full year again. Then it's retirement Part 2, just to sell more merchandise."

I'm not jaded enough to think that Martin is in it for the sake of moving merchandise.

I also don't believe he needs a Cup title to be considered among the sport's all-time greatest drivers.

His legacy is secure, but it runs the risk of being diminished if Martin plays hopscotch between teams and from full- to part-time status and back again.

Like Favre, Martin has given much to his sport.

To have positive memories and feelings of goodwill taken away, or even overshadowed by decisions in the autumn of his career, would be a shame.

Give back the rocking chair!!

He should have had the b***s to tell Jack he didn't want to drive for him anymore instead of playing this retirement\part-time thing.He should have wised up earlier and got out from under Jack if he wanted a championship.I think it's to late now.

__________________
Just when I think you said the stupidest thing ever .....You keep talking
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I agree there.

Insightful post Curvy. :P

I doubt Mark drove part time at Ginn and DEI because he wanted to get away from Rousch. He wanted to spend more time with the family as I understood it and now he decided to go after the championship one more time. Chevy has its claws in Mark now so it is only logical he find a Chevy team. If the Hendrick equipment makes Jr. look so good, it will do the same for Mark.

I do have a question though. If Mark gets the "good stuff", who plays test car at Hendrick next year?

__________________
07-83-84

Thanks Karma. Just letting my buddy Honcho know he is being heard.

As for HMS test driver I vote Jimmie.

hahaha I was thinking the same thing Curves,that would be funny to watch Jimmy #4 man boy would we see some hissy fits thrown then.

and Thanks for listening Curves.

__________________
Just when I think you said the stupidest thing ever .....You keep talking
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Doesn't Jeff have a life-time contract at Hendrick? Maybe he will surprise us and give all 4 cars good equipment. Or he could just alternate and try to keep them all 4 in the chase. It should be interesting to see who ends up the lowest Hendrick driver in the points next year. That should be a pre-2009 season contest.

__________________
07-83-84