If dreams come true, Mark Martin is living proof that age is not a factor.
Instead, the veteran driver is acting more like a kid in the candy store, back in NASCAR full-time in 2009. Martin sits atop the point standings, 35 markers in front incumbent champion Jimmie Johnson and challenger Denny Hamlin.
According to Martin, the 2009 season has gone beyond all his expectations.
"It’s been a real magical year," Martin said. "It’s been incredibly special. It’s been lots of fun and we’re having a blast."
Martin recently extended his contract with Hendrick Motorsports to remain in the No. 5 full time through 2011.
“Things are going really, really well. I’m having the time of my life,” Martin said. “It’s a little long-range for my liking but for Hendrick Motorsports planning purposes, sponsorship deals and all those things, it made sense to go ahead and make the commitment so they could plan longer term that just a year.
“I’m definitely having a blast. I’m having the time of my life and I think that’s obvious. So I was comfortable with it.”
Martin, who has racked up the most wins of any driver this season, knows that these results are beyond his expectations.
“Absolutely, this certainly rivals my best year ever and at this stage of my career. I certainly wouldn’t expect to rival 1998,” Martin said.
Martin’s work does not go without notice. Brian Vickers, a former Hendrick driver, will make his 200th start at Dover and become the youngest driver to do so. When he addressed the media on Friday, Vickers gave props to Mark Martin for his perseverance and diligence.
Also giving credit to Martin is teammate and four-time champion Jeff Gordon.
“There is no doubt that (Mark Martin) is highly motivated," Gordon said. "I think he is in a great position because he stepped away from the sport from a full-time aspect. He loves being here like many of us do. I know he is having a lot of fun this year and obviously that team is doing a great job.”
Former Roush Racing teammate Greg Biffle also spoke about Martin on Friday, saying he knows the veteran will push for a championship in 2009.
“I think that Mark Martin's definitely capable of winning (championship)," Biffle said. "I've traded paint with Mark before. He definitely pushes the envelope and I don't feel like it's cost him any finishes or any wins or championships up to this point."
Biffle said a combination of Martin's age and will power makes him this season's fan favorite to win the Sprint Cup.
"Mark probably feels an urgency to win the title because he's 50-some years old," Biffle said. "He's been there. I think he's the sentimental favorite.”
