Q&A: Mark Martin

Sporting News, The, Sept 13, 2004

With one race to go before the cutoff, Mark Martin is fighting for a spot in the inaugural Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup. TSN Insider Lee Spencer recently caught up with Martin, who goes into Richmond in 10th place.

TSN: You have seemed like a new man since the season opener at Daytona. What do you attribute this newfound optimism to?

MM: I had a car in February that I thought I might be able win the Daytona 500 with, so that's what you read on my face. My moods have gone up and down some. We've taken some tough licks this year, but I've felt blessed to have the opportunity to work with these guys. They continue to give me better and better equipment as the season has gone along, and I'm grateful for that.

TSN: What is the biggest difference that you've noticed in the equipment this year?

MM: I couldn't tell you. I don't know why we were so bad last year, and I can't tell you why we're so much better this year. We just are. These guys are getting the job done.

TSN: What about the new horsepower? Can you tell a difference with the new Ford Racing engines?

MM: I definitely noticed a difference there, big time. That's been awesome.

TSN: When's the last time you can remember having that much power under the hood?

MM: I don't know if I've ever had. It's awesome right now. It's really good.

TSN: People say that if you get in the Chase, it will be lights-out for the other nine teams. How do you like your chances?

MM: People are not realistic. They're over-optimistic of what needs to be accomplished, and I don't do that. I do my job. I don't do over-optimistic. I don't worry about the optimism. It's all good if it turns out good. But if you're optimistic and it doesn't turn out, then what are you? Heartbroke. There's going to be enough disappointment for me if we don't make it. I don't need to pile it up. I really feel like we're a top five team, and that's sweet. That's what we have right now, and I'm proud of that.

TSN: There seems to be a love-fest between you and crew chief Pat Tryson. What has made this partnership click?

MM: I had such a miserable year last year that this year has made me more grateful than ever. I have a better understanding of what a big team effort this thing is and how reliant I am on what they do. It's easy to take that for granted over a long period of time when you've done well consistently, and these guys deserve all the credit.

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Drivers fighting to qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup who have won at Richmond, where the cutoff race before the Chase will be held Saturday. Ryan Newman (eighth in points) won there last season, Dale Jarrett (13th) won there in 1997 and '99, and Mark Martin (10th) visited victory lane in '90. Four drivers whose spots in the Chase are secure--Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart--also have won there.