Track Smack: Welcome to 'To Tell the Truth'

1. Mark Martin currently leads the point standings, but keeps saying he has absolutely no interest in running a full-time schedule for Ginn Racing. Should we believe him?

Joe Menzer: I think Mark Martin believes himself at this point, but I still think there may come a point, very shortly, where someone talks him into doing what he says he will not do. He's off to such a great start!

Dave Rodman: Even though Mark's recent track record on "retirement statements," ain't the best, in this case, I think you can take it to the bank. I'm already looking forward to being in Lake City, Fla., with him later this month.

David Caraviello: He's been pretty consistent in saying he plans to get out of the car at Bristol. But you have to wonder if he'll reconsider if we get closer to that race weekend and he's still in the points lead. After all, he's supposed to have retired from Cup what, two times? Three?

Joe Menzer: For a guy who has come so close and never won the points championship, if he's leading after Atlanta, I think he may just let himself get talked into staying.

David Caraviello: He was asked at Fontana if he planned to do the whole season. He gave a one-word answer: No.

Joe Menzer: Besides, couldn't he always climb out of the car later if the points lead evaporates?

Dave Rodman: Well, I put "retirement" in quotes for a very good reason. We have to be careful to interpret what he says exactly as he means it. Retirement, in the true sense of the word, will probably never happen for him.

David Caraviello: We're talking retirement from Cup, Dave, which he attempted to do what, three years ago?

Dave Rodman: Much like Bill Elliott, he's just become overwhelmed by all the hoopla for which he has very little use.

Joe Menzer: This guy has staged more comebacks than Rocky Balboa. And he's just about as old as Rocky, too.

Dave Rodman: Again, "retirement" implies "done," "finished," "no more." I don't think he's ever intended that.

David Caraviello: At the Cup level, he has.

Dave Rodman: Again, I think some people might have heard him say that, but that isn't what he meant. What he meant was what he's doing this season, and once again, people are putting words in his mouth. (Continued)