Martin remains determined in title run

CONCORD, N.C. -- Only a man of Mark Martin's resolve could look back on the past two weeks and chuckle.

	Mark Martin Credit: Autostock

First he was issued a 25-point penalty at Rockingham for using what NASCAR deemed an illegal left front spring, a judgment that could ultimately prevent him from winning the coveted Winston Cup championship.

Then, after finishing fourth last Sunday at Phoenix, he underwent a brief scare when the main gear tire on his personal aircraft blew prior to takeoff, resulting in an unexpected skid down the runway.

Now, Roush Racing has elected to exercise its right to appeal the 25-point penalty, which will be heard Saturday morning at Homestead. That leaves Martin to answer questions about its ramifications throughout this week -- a time that will require his unwavering focus on the task at hand.

Still, he chuckles.

MARK MARTIN  •  Driver Page  •  2002 Stats  •  Message Board  •  Store: Mark Martin gear   AUDIO CLIPS Mark Martin comments on the situation surrounding his team. 220K / 1:58 Listen Roush Racing president Geoff Smith on the decision to appeal. 216K / 3:36 Listen Smith explains why Roush Racing won't seek legal recourse. 216K / 2:18 Listen Smith and Martin talk about the illegal spring. 218K / 2:02 Listen

"This whole situation makes me sick," Martin said. "I had a great race in Phoenix and left there feeling really good. But I didn't get out of Phoenix without having a train wreck trying to get out of there.

"The thing that will really be bad is if it was to make a difference. I just wish that we weren't having to go through this, and it's my hope, obviously, that something wonderful will happen at Homestead for us.

"And if it doesn't, then it doesn't. I'm very proud of what we've accomplished this year and I don't want (the penalty) to change the outcome. Then I might really have a problem. Beyond that, I'm not incredibly bitter. I'm really incredibly grateful to my team and what they've given me."

What they've given him is a career resurgence. Heading to South Beach for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Martin joins points leader Tony as the only drivers capable of claiming the championship. This time last year, he wasn't even in the top 10.

"I'm really proud of what my team's done," Martin said. "They've revived my career and for a few naysayers in the media, my team, not me, has proven them wrong. I'm proud of that."

Though content with his current standing, Martin is obviously disgruntled with the penalty status. If the appeal is granted and the points deduction overturned, Martin would enter Sunday's race just 64 points behind Stewart.

"To tell you the truth, we have worked incredibly hard this summer and my schedule has been absolutely unbelievable," Martin said. "Yes, I do have better things to do right now than deal with this, but I don't waste a whole lot of time worrying about what-ifs. We'll take it all straight on."

"I feel better this week than last week because we had another great race. The whole effort since January has been to win the Winston Cup, and that didn't even seem realistic to me in January, February, even March.

"But as we got on into the season it became more and more realistic. No matter what, we still have a chance and we're still fighting. I'll keep my eye on the target and we'll try to be as sharp as we can be."