Mark is racing his way through his final year in NASCAR, enjoying his
"Salute to You" tour as he visits tracks for the last time.Or is it?
This year has been a year of ups and downs, wins and losses, firsts and lasts. Since about this time last year, we knew that two of NASCARs favorite drivers would be looking to 2005 as their final full time year in NEXTEL Cup racing. Rusty is on his "Last Call", and Mark is enjoying his "Salute to You".
Tributes have been paid. The rookies have talked about what it was like growing up watching these two men race, and being an inspiration to get into the top tier of stock car racing. Kyle Bush was just a year old when Mark first strapped into the 6 car. That's a long time. Longer than most people hold one job these days. Certainly longer than most drivers stay with one car....with one owner.
That's loyalty in a job where loyalty can only get you so far.
For the last 6 months, we have heard Mark talk about how he is looking forward to taking time off next year, and spending more time with his wife and son. Matty is going to be one heck of a race car driver one day, and now is the perfect time for Mark to take the time to bond with the son who not only looks like is dad, but wants to be like his dad.
But loyalty seems to be getting in the way of that plan.
Jack Roush, owner of five cup teams, is facing the possibility of having the 6 car empty in 2006. He has a driver for 2007, but it appears that Jamie's present owner is going to hold him to his contract, whether it is out of spite that Jamie is looking ahead to taking that storied ride, or out of the desire to have a good driver in that 42 for as long as he can.
So, looking at a long 12 months of empty seat in the 6, Jack has done something that one wonders is out of desire to keep an old friend for one year longer, or of a desire to have more money. He has asked Mark, who already has his 2006 all planned out away from Cup, to come back and stay in the 6 for one more year.
What?
Jack, have you not been paying attention to anything Mark has been talking about all year? Time home with Arlene and Matty. Focusing on his son's life, which he has missed so much of racing in the 6 car. Enjoying down time in his older years. Relaxing and doing what Mark wants to do.
There is loyalty. And then there is preying on that loyalty.
Jack, let Mark go. Let him retire. Let him relax. Don't you think he has earned that right? He has driven his tail off, year in and year out for 18 years for the 6 team. He is as loyal as loyal can get. But imposing on that loyalty so the 6 car has someone in the seat full time seems to be asking a bit much. Especially when so much has already been made that this is his last ear in Cup.
I know the back of an owners mind is focused on the bottom line. If the 6 is empty, that is money not being brought in to the Roush stables for 2006. But for a team owner who has the last two championships on his mantle, and who has the winningest driver under his roof, it seems that wanting to have that 6 car on the track next year is asking just a bit much. Especially when it isn't necessary.
If Roush racing was a one or two car team, it would be understandable that the loss of one car would be harmful. But the loss of one out of five? Besides the money it brings in, I don't see it being as big of a deal.
In my mind, maybe it is good to give the 6 a year off. Since I graduated from High School, that car has belonged solely to Mark Mark. No driver has been so tied to a car. Maybe for Jamie McMurrays sake it would be best to let the car sit idle for a year. Let there be a solid break between the Mark Martin era, and the Jamie Mac era. How fitting of a tribute would that be?
Jack, if you want Mark to drive the 6 next year, let him race like Terry Labonte. A few races here and there when he wants to. He has already promised he would race the All Star race as returning champ. Maybe convince him to pick 5 or 6 other races to come and race because he enjoys them. Maybe ones that are tied into the truck races so he doesn't miss any extra weekends at home with his wife and son.
Don't ask him to give up the relaxation he so craves, the time he so deserves.
Don't diminish the impact of the "Salute to You" tour.
Let a dignified man have a dignified exit from a career that has made so much impact on so many people.
Mark, don't let loyalty to your owner take away from your time with your family. You have earned your retirement. You deserve to leave on your own terms.
And while millions of fans will be sad to see you go, they will be proud of the fact that you chose to leave....in your own way, on you own terms. Healthy, happy, and with that memorable smile on your face.
