Mark Martin wins the Southern 500

Call it destiny. It was a race re-named to bring back some nostalgia. The walls were repainted to remind us of the days of Junior Johnson, Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough. At the track “Too Tough to Tame” it was a nostalgic winner and an old time celebration for a popular winner.

For the second time in four races 50 year old Mark Martin won a Sprint Cup race. And I doubt he’s done winning this season. He reminded us after Phoenix that he was going to take every win like it was his last, and it looks like this win at Darlington might be one in a long line of victories this season.

Mark Martin didn't get a "Darlington stripe," but he did take the checkers

He inked his name on the dotted line to run full-time in 2010 for Hendrick Motorsports this week and feels he’s in the best shape of his life. He loves going to the racetrack every weekend, and we love to watch him.

In a week of rain and boring days of classes it helped to know that I had NASCAR to look forward to this weekend. And this next seven days will be the same way!

Although I’m running the tape of the race behind me as I type (Yes, I know, I need to get a DVR or something of the like) I was able to catch two laps while I was at a family friend’s anniversary party. Those two laps: the final two. I had a huge smile on my face and was congratulated by a few of the other folks watching the race there too.

Mark Martin raced former Roush Racing teammate--and South Boston, Virginia native--Jeff Burton on his way to a win in the Southern 500

One man said he feels that Mark Martin can win the title this year, and I know it’s too early to count my proverbial chickens, but it’s tough not to be optimistic after a race like this. Mark moved up to 11th in points and will start the Chase with at least 20 bonus points for his two wins.

Even though next week doesn’t count for points it’ll be fun to see the stars of NASCAR battling it out in Charlotte for $1 million. In fact, my second favorite paint scheme Mark has ever run was the 2005 All-Star race paint scheme. I had the same feeling that night as I did right now.

Some celebrations never change. "You stay classy..."

I’m just happy to be a fan of Mark Martin, and happy to be a winner once again. I could get used to this. It’s fun watching Mark have some fun and win some races. Now, we need to work on Indy.

Happy Mothers Day to everyone out there. Hopefully you have a great day and I’ll stop by this week with a lot more insight on Mark’s win and anything else I can glean from watching this race on tape delay.