Mark Martin joins his fellow Nextel Cup competitors in testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week. Credit: Turner Sports Interactive

Martin open to starting Truck Series team

LAS VEGAS -- Mark Martin hinted on Monday that he is leaning towards fielding his own trucks in the Craftsman Truck Series, a decision that would keep him closer to home in 2006.

Martin has long said that he plans on making the Craftsman Truck Series a part of his post-Nextel Cup life. His current employer, Roush Racing, fields two full-time trucks and could easily make room for whatever schedule Martin plans to run in 2006.

	Mark Martin speaks at Las Vegas Monday Credit: Turner Sports Interactive
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"I am looking very hard at the Craftsman Truck Series next year," Martin said. "Initially, the talks were to be a part of Roush."

But Martin spent last weekend racing with his 13-year-old son Matt, and Martin said that he hopes he can remain close to his Daytona Beach home after his retirement from a full Nextel Cup schedule.

"Having my own (trucks) without having to ask any questions made me consider doing my own deal," said Martin.

Martin stressed that if he starts a team, it would be for his own family's use.

"Please beat me to death if I ever own a Nextel Cup team," Martin said. "But I might consider a truck deal."

Martin doesn't appear to have second thoughts about his final year in Nextel Cup. He is picked by many to a championship contender after an outstanding season in 2004, that is how and he wants to end his career.

"It is very important to me to get out with my dignity and not hang onto something that I can't hang on to," Martin said. "It is incredibly important to me to go as close to the top of my game as I can."