Tulsa World: Martin makes last push

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Martin makes last push
Johnson, vying for his fourth straight title, is in his way.

Mark Martin drives during practice for the NASCAR Ford 400 Sprint Cup series auto race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. AP PHOTO

By JENNA FRYER Associated Press
Published: 11/22/2009 2:30 AM
Last Modified: 11/22/2009 8:36 AM

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Mark Martin has lost to Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart — some of NASCAR's best drivers — in his frustrating bid for an elusive championship.

Standing in his way now? Jimmie Johnson, who takes a 108-point lead over Martin into Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Barring a total collapse, Johnson will be the one to send Martin to a fifth runner-up finish in the standings. In doing so, Johnson will become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships.

When Martin gets beat, it's by the very best.

"I don't know how this guy here hasn't won a championship," wondered Rick Hendrick, owner of both Johnson's and Martin's teams. "He has raced and finished second to some of the all-time greats when they were in their prime, from Jeff Gordon to Dale Earnhardt. Has anyone (else) ever raced against that many champions in their prime and finished second?

"He would have to be considered one of the all-time greats."

And so begins the debate over where the winner and the loser of this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup championship will stack up in NASCAR history.

In one corner is Johnson, who has dominated the Cup Series the past four years. He's won 29 races over the past four seasons, including four since the 10-race Chase began in September.

In the other is Martin, the 50-year-old who came back to full-time racing this season.

With five wins this season, Martin has proved to still be at the top of the game. But as the praise poured in for the sentimental favorite, he downplayed his role in the sport's history.

"My record does not stand up against the greats in this business," he said of 40 victories in 757 starts. "I just want to be a winner. Just a winner, you know? I worked really hard and I try pretty hard to be that."

By JENNA FRYER Associated Press

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wilson, (11/22/2009 5:14:11 AM)

And a winner he is. He's also a gracious loser, which makes him unique in the world of sports. Good luck Mark Martin!

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