Martin's part-time success could hurt sport in future

Take nothing away from what Mark Martin has accomplished 13 races into this season. With six top-10s and four top-fives, he's on pace to match his 2002 season when he finished runner-up to eventual champion Tony Stewart.

Which is exactly why Martin, if he keeps this up, will ruin NASCAR.

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At the halfway point of the Chase, Martin currently sits 12th in points and would qualify for NASCAR's version of the postseason -- all while racing in just 10 events compared to everyone else who has raced 13.

It all started with that amazing finish at Daytona, when Martin came up just short to Kevin Harvick. Martin followed that up with two consecutive fifth-place finishes at California and Las Vegas and a 10th at Atlanta. Then the talking began.

The part-time Martin was actually leading in points. It was very conceivable he could make the Chase on a part-time schedule.

Of course, with the next two races at Bristol and Martinsville, both races in which Regan Smith would take over the No. 01 Chevy for Ginn Racing, Martin's point lead eventually evaporated.

But here we are 13 races into the schedule and Martin is Chase eligible.

This is the worst-case scenario for NASCAR.

This sport has always prided itself on being the most fan-friendly of any in America. One reason that is the case -- all 36 races on the schedule, all of the best drivers in the country are featured at one racetrack.

With Martin's success this season on a pick-and-choose basis, the NASCAR we know and love could all but disappear.

Where is the benefit for Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson or Tony Stewart or Dale Earnhardt Jr. to race 36 races? All that matters to sponsors, to teams and to drivers is make the Chase and have a shot at the championship.

Why would Junior, who is not a good road-racer with no wins in 14 combined races at Sonoma and Watkins Glen, drive at either track? There's no point.

Junior could take a couple weeks off, enjoy the break, and let an up-and-comer get some experience. Or put a ringer like a Ron Fellows or Boris Said in the car.

If a driver knows he can miss a race and not take that much of a hit in points, why not take a week or two off? (Continued)