Martin's decision
In about 72 hours from now, the green flag will fly on the Cup race at Bristol, and for the first time in 75 years Mark Martin won't be racing.
OK, 19 years. Martin's 621-race streak dates back to the 1988 Daytona 500, the one where Bobby and Davey Allison finished 1-2. Martin, meanwhile, started 38th, overheated after 19 laps and parked it. (True fact: The 1988 Daytona 500 was the first time Martin climbed behind the wheel of the No. 6 car for Jack Roush. I'd say that worked out pretty well for both of them.)
On one hand, Martin's making the right call to take off this week (and next). He said he was going to drive a partial schedule this year, and Ginn Racing wants to get David Ragan Smith behind the wheel sooner than later.
On the other, what is he smoking? Martin's leading the points! He's driving great! The No. 01 car hasn't been this fast in years! He could make the Chase! And win the ...
Let's not get carried away. This is Mr. Second Place we're talking about.
Still: What would you do if you were Mark Martin? Is he making the right call? Or does he know something about the Car of Tomorrow that everyone else racing Sunday doesn't?
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