Mark Martin is the fifth driver to win the all-star race at least two times. Credit: Autostock

Martin wins All-Star race in 'Salute to You' fashion

CONCORD, N.C. -- Mark Martin had no intention of taking a nostalgic ride around the track in his final All-Star race. He wanted to win it.

Martin pulled it off Saturday night, winning the Nextel All-Star Challenge and its $1 million prize in what is supposed to be his final appearance in the dash-for-cash race.

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But after crossing the finish line at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Martin told his Roush Racing crew he's willing to come back for more.

"Thank you guys! Thank you!" Martin screamed over his radio. "I'll be back next year if you give me a ride!"

As an All-Star race winner, Martin is forever eligible to enter the race regardless of whether he competes the rest of the year.

Martin was in second place, lined up next to leader Elliott Sadler, on a restart with 19 laps left in the race. But Sadler struggled on the restart and seemed to bump into the side of Martin. The contact knocked Sadler out of line, and Martin darted into the lead.

He never looked back and was never challenged in winning his second All-Star race. Martin also won the 1998 event, but picked up a paltry $257,500 for that victory.

Sadler was second and was followed by Brian Vickers, who raced his way into the event by winning a qualifying heat right before the All-Star Challenge. Vickers spun out Mike Bliss right before the finish line to win the qualifier.

Jeff Gordon was fourth and followed by Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Kurt Busch and Jeremy Mayfield. Bobby Labonte and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top 10.