NO. 6: Martin hits 50, finds full-time fire

LITTLE ROCK — Apparently all Mark Martin needed was a little time off. Just a little.

After two seasons of racing a partial schedule on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit, Martin returned to the series full time with vigor in 2009.

The Batesville native won five races - hismost victories since 1998 - and entered 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup as the points leader.

But in the end, he could not derail Jimmie Johnson’s run to a record fourth consecutive crown, and Martin was the series runner-up for a fifth time, tying a record.

“There’s no frustration, man,” Martin, 50, said after the season’s final race. “I know ya’ll [the media] would love it, but there’s no frustration. I’m very proud of what we accomplished, and on top of all that, I had more fun than anybody.I had a blast.

“My race team dug as hard as they could dig, and we accomplished more than anybody in the garage this year except for the 48 [Johnson]. That ought to be enough to make you proud.”

Martin raced a full Cup schedule for 19 consecutive seasons, then opted to run a limited schedule in 2007 and 2008, skipping a total 24 races over those two seasons.

But team owner Rick Hendrick hired Martin and convinced him to race the complete 2009 schedule - while driving for what is considered the best team in the sport - in hopes of securing Martin’s first championship.

Martin fell 141 points shy of that goal. But by season’s end, Martin made sure that retirement did not become a consideration when he signed to drive for Hendrick through the 2011 season.

“I’m in the best condition of my life,” Martin said. “I’m recharged, and I’m motivated. Going to the racetrack every weekend is still really fun, and that’s the key. There’s more gas in my tank.”