NASCAR Martin now considering racing a partial schedule

A year ago, the 25-year veteran was leaning toward retirement.
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Amid the confetti and champagne after last year's All-Star win, it became abundantly clear that Mark Martin was already having second thoughts about ending his Nextel Cup career.
"Thank you guys! Thank you!" Martin screamed as he crossed the finish line. "I'll be back next year if you give me a ride!"
At that moment, Martin was only considering coming back for another Nextel All-Star Challenge. But as the months dragged on and his car owner struggled to find a suitable replacement, Martin was talked into postponing his retirement for another year.
So here he is a year later, in his second farewell tour with time running out on an illustrious 25-year career. He'll make what is supposed to be his final appearance in the Nextel All-Star Challenge tonight, when he'll attempt to successfully defend his title.
Then he'll finish out the season, which he's certain will be his last of full-time Nextel Cup racing.
Full schedule is out
"I never say never because how many times can you get away with that?" he said. "But I will say I am not going run another full schedule. I have 13 more weekends off in 2007 than I will have in 2006, and no event is going to get those -- no broadcasting, no racing."
His family isn't so convinced that Martin will be able to walk away so cleanly.
"All this changing his mind, he's starting to look like an idiot!" his 14-year-old son, Matt, said Friday. "He said last year was going to be his last, then he came back this year. Now this year is going to be his last, but then he says maybe not.
"I think the problem is how much he knows he's going to miss it."
Arm twisted
Perhaps that's what happened to Martin last year, when Jack Roush twisted his arm to return to the No. 6 Ford.
Roush didn't have anyone ready -- or worthy -- to step into one of the most respected rides in NASCAR, and Martin refused to leave his longtime car owner in a lurch.
The only problem was that Martin had already committed to running a significant portion of the Craftsman Truck Series schedule. He also agreed to some Busch Series races, and to the IROC schedule.
So, instead of scaling back, Martin is doing more than ever. So much so, that his wife is eager to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
"I told him 'No more,' " Arlene Martin said. "I'm ready for him to be home and I think he will be unless something really, really exceptional comes along."
A full truck schedule has already come along for 2007, and few people would be surprised if Martin isn't talked into another race here or there. It can sneak up on a guy like Martin, who is passionate about racing and winning.
"I'm no Kenny Schrader, but I am racing quite a bit this year -- that's for sure," he said. "I just wound up involved in a lot."