It’s OK, Martin Fans…You Can Believe

Throughout the race, "The Kid" was "The Man." The driver had victory in hand as the laps clicked off. All he had left was one turn, and he’d grab the victory that had eluded him for so many years. Then- seemingly out of nowhere- a yellow and red Chevrolet bearing the number 29 comes barreling down and ekes out a victory in the first race of 2007- the Great American Race- the Daytona 500.Foiled again.

Until now, Kevin Harvick’s victory over two-and-a-half years ago over Martin has been a microcosm of the Arkansan’s career. It’s a never-ending list of woulda, coulda, shoulda.

He’s been likened by NASCAR writer Tom Bowles as "NASCAR’s Charlie Brown."  Though I don’t think the reference was quite this specific, the boys at Rowdy.com have likened Martin to Eeyore. When you consider his history, it’s understandable to expect the other shoe to drop for the four-time runner-up.

Now that the first chase race is in the rear view mirror, it’s time for a little group therapy. All you fans cheering the driver of the number "5" Chevy, yeah, you people holding your breath…

…it’s O.K. You can, as they told Timmy Lupus in The Bad News Bears, "….open your eyes now."

As I write, I see the panic in your eyes. It’s the same look I get from my broadcast partner when I mention a basketball player’s free throw percentage when he steps to the foul line. "Don’t say it, you’re gonna jinx him."

I’m not going out on that limb yet. I’ve taken enough risk as it is by even suggesting Jimmie Johnson won’t four-peat. I will say, however, the winner of 40 NASCAR Cup races must be accounted for in this year’s chase, and this could be the one.

He may not drive around with a lucky rabbit’s foot in his pocket, but look at Martin’s mojo. Thanks to that vaunted HMS equipment, he, like the defending champion Johnson, and the former champion Gordon, tools around in the best pieces in the business.

He’s also got the support of Alan Gustafson, who’s quickly building a name for himself as a shrewd pit boss. His risky call on Sunday looks like sheer genius now that we can say it worked, plus there was that fuel mileage call in the first Michigan race that propelled Martin to victory.

Then there’s Martin himself. If you’ve listened to his interviews, if you’ve overheard his radio communication, then you know his savvy. "Double M" always seems to know exactly what his car has, what it will take to catch the next car in front of him and it’s also obvious he’s a student of other driver’s tendencies.

You long time fans who know your cars get what I mean when I say it takes more than just a fast car to be a winner. This more than one driver at this level who will take a mean machine and use it up before the race his half over. Martin spent most of this season driving on the head of a pin, and he made it into the chase.

Now that he’s here, he’ll be a force to reckon with. What hasn’t killed him has mentally made him stronger. Consider also what lies ahead: Martin is a beast at Dover (4 wins), has the same number of wins at Lowe’s, and he’s also done quite well for himself at Martinsville, Texas and Phoenix.

As tight as this competition is, it’s foolish to think Mark Martin will just up and waltz away with the championship that has escaped him. Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and perhaps, even Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya might have something to say about that. Still, the "5" train has a head of steam and the wind at it back.

So take a deep breath. Exhale. Relax and enjoy this chase. This could be a lot of fun. Mark Martin might actually have all the stars aligned to win this thing.

Have faith. After all, even Charlie Brown eventually hit a home run.

PHOTO CREDITS- Top two photos by lionstattoo.  To see more, visit flickr.com. Lower left and right photos courtesy of Geoff Burke/ Getty Images for NASCAR.