NASCAR Perfectonist Martin remains unsatisfied

After 22 races he's in 15th place, but way behind leader Matt Kenseth.
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DETROIT -- Heading to the Irish Hills, Mich., at this time last year, Mark Martin was nipping at Sterling Marlin's rear bumper for the lead in the Winston Cup points race.
Martin finished fifth that weekend in the Pepsi 400 at Michigan International Speedway, with Marlin right behind in sixth. They remained close until three races later, when Marlin crashed heavily at Richmond and suffered a serious neck injury that knocked him out of the title chase.
Martin remained close to the top for the rest of the season, tying his career best with a second-place finish, behind Tony Stewart.
But 2003 hasn't been nearly as kind to Martin. After 22 of 36 races, Martin is in 15th place, a whopping 798 points behind teammate Matt Kenseth.
A perfectionist in just about everything he does, Martin, 44, isn't impressed with his situation going into Sunday's GFS Marketplace 400.
"I normally resist letting the media know how I feel, but I've got to admit this year's been the most frustrating year I can remember in a very long time," Martin said.
Five top-five finishes
It's not that Martin has driven badly this season. He has five finishes in the top five, nine in the top 10 in the No. 6 Viagra Ford. Engine problems hurt at Las Vegas (43rd) and Atlanta (42nd), but he has been a threat to win at least six races.
"I had a spectacular car at Watkins Glen last week, and we still finished 10th," Martin said. "We just haven't been very lucky."
Lucky or smart with fuel, Martin isn't quite sure.
"Gas mileage and track position have won a lot of races this year," said Martin, who has been caught in poor track position on several yellows this year. "We haven't had much luck with either."
The most recent time came last Sunday at Watkins Glen, when Rusty Wallace flew off the course on the 51st of 90 laps. Martin, who had been with the leaders, had passed the pits when the yellow dropped. Robby Gordon, who trailed Martin, happened to be in the right place at the right time, diving into the pits for fuel.
After the field pitted under caution, Gordon took the lead soon after the green flag dropped, with Martin tumbling in the shuffle of cars to 30th place. Gordon went on to win.
"Cars that were behind me on the track all day were suddenly in front of us," Martin said. "I'm not pointing the blame at anyone. That won't get you better results."
Winning races on gas mileage has Martin puzzled, too. He would much prefer to prove himself in side-by-side competition.
"Since Sears Point [in June], first place or most top-10 finishes have been determined by whoever is getting better fuel mileage," said Martin. "We all know Richard Childress Racing and DEI are getting better mileage than the rest."
Eyes Darlington, Talladega
Martin is looking forward to returning to superspeedways such as Darlington and Talladega this season, where positions are earned on the track and tires and good pit stops are more important than conserving fuel.
"You sort of feel helpless with the fuel thing," Martin said. "I enjoy good old-fashioned racing where cars that are fast are going to be up front. That's how racing used to be -- fun and exciting."