Martin doesn’t let back pains derail career

Mark Martin endured a lot of pain in 1998 and 1999. Even though he won a career high seven races in ’98, Martin sometimes had to be lifted into and out of his car by his crew.

One week after the 1999 season Martin had surgery to fuse two degenerative vertebrae in his lower back.

He’s been better ever since.

Last Thursday he told NASCAR.com on media day that his back is, “bullet proof.”

“I had the surgery in ’99 and for about six years it was still a problem,” Martin told the three members of NASCAR.com, during a live web conference. “I’ve learned how to strengthen it. I’ve gotten to a point with the rehab that I went back and started doing the rehab stuff I should have done about six years after the surgery. It’s really good right now. It’s really strong.”

Martin has become known in the NASCAR garage for his relentless training program. The 52-year-old gets up early every morning and works out. Drivers young and old look to Martin for advice on working out.

“I learn more every year and I learn more about training,” Martin said. “I have to train around injury, whatever the injuries are that you have as well. Right now I just feel like I’ve really found some good stuff and a really good program.”

Martin mentioned on media day that during the offseason he has found off days in between his rigorous workout schedule to be beneficial.

“During the offseason, it’s really the ultimate because I can rest during the times that I want to, like I’ve been working out two days on, one day off, two days on, one day off. You can’t do that during the race season,” Martin explained. “It’s four on, and three off every week.

“I’ve managed to make some strength gain through that process because I get that day of rest at the right time instead of having to work out four days, brutally, in a row, and then go to the racetrack.”

Martin qualified eighth yesterday, which means he’ll start fourth in the first Gatorade Duel on Thursday. He’s never had much luck at Daytona—in fact, it’s one of four tracks Martin has never won a points paying race at—but he’s been close in the past few years.

Don’t ask Martin if this is his final year in NASCAR either. Larry McReynolds asked Martin on Thursday if it is annoying every time he hears that question.

“I love this sport. I love racing,” Martin told him. “I can still keep up with these guys. I’m going to be around and still be kicking.”

He learned in 1998 and 1999 how to survive through a career threatening injury. Chances are his best effort will be on winning the Daytona 500 in six days. And after that, well, he’ll run his best at Phoenix, and so on, until the end of the year.

“If we make the Chase and we get five races into the Chase—with five races to go—and we’re in contention; start coming and asking,” Martin said about his chances to win the title. “Until then, it’s all premature.”

Noted.
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There are six days until the drop of the green flag in the Daytona 500, and I’ll continue with more coverage leading up to race day on Sunday. Enjoy your Monday. Six more days and the NASCAR wait will be over. Keep the countdown rolling.