Martin insists he won't race at Bristol in March (cont'd)

"I'm lucky to be driving right now for such a great team, and to be able to do what I want to do with my career. And to have the kind of support that I've had from the fans, and from this team," he said. "I feel like I'm making a contribution, and that's why I'm here. I'm here to make a contribution and try to help get Regan ready to make the U.S. Army team proud."

Martin also was asked if he is growing weary of being asked if folks really should believe him when he says he fully intends to step out of his Cup car before the Bristol race -- which will end a streak of 621 consecutive Cup starts. The last Cup race run without him in the lineup was on Nov. 22, 1987.

"I'm fine. But five times [of asking] is enough," he said. "Fifteen times might start working on my nerves. I'm in an awfully good mood right now."

Twice before while during a 19-year run with Roush Racing that ended following last season, the four-time Cup points runner-up said he was planning to retire -- and didn't. Again, he keeps insisting that he's no Rocky Balboa, and that this time his plans won't change.

"I had a lot of pressure behind me then that you don't know about. I don't have that pressure now," Martin said of his earlier flirtations with retirement that did not come to pass.

He said the "formula" he has in life right now is sweet for him and his family, and that he doesn't want to disrupt that. And just where will he be on March 25 when the green flag drops on the Cup race at Bristol? He is scheduled to be racing Late Model cars with is son, Matt, and NASCAR newcomer Ricky Carmichael at a short track in Lake City, Fla.

"I don't want to be tampering with the formula. I'm pretty happy right now," he said. "I'm ready for a weekend off already."

"This test is getting in the way of my relaxation."

To prove just how much he is into relaxation these days, the 48-year-old smiled broadly when asked what he would have been doing Wednesday if he hadn't been testing at Bristol.

"Probably taking a nap," he said, squinting at the midday sun. "It's right after lunch. That would sure feel good right about now."