Martin cherishes ride during successful run

AVONDALE, Ariz. --- Mark Martin won't judge this season on whether he can catch teammate Jimmie Johnson for the Sprint Cup title.

No matter where Martin finishes in the final standings, the 50-year-old driver said 2009 has been the best year of his life.

Martin has had a resurgence this season, his first with Hendrick Motorsports. He's won five races and is second in the standings, 73 points behind Johnson with two races remaining.

The sentimental favorite to win the championship, Martin could instead be headed to a fifth runner-up finish in the standings.

Still, he said Friday he's at peace with every aspect of his life and has never been happier.

"I may not have the best memory in the world, but I'm going to look at 2009 and say I've had the best year of my life personally as well as professionally," he said.

"You know, I found so much peace and happiness and good-quality time with people, relationships, family, co-workers, fans, competitors as well as success on the race track."

Martin will need some help to have this season have a storybook championship ending.

Then again, he said, "Sometimes the unexpected happens."

LABONTE BACK: Kevin Buckler , owner of The Racer's Group, will announce his plans to race full time again next year in the Sprint Cup Series with former champion Bobby Labonte .

Buckler, a successful sports car owner, also hopes to have sponsorship for his stock car program. With Labonte, TRG will be able to rely on a past champion's provisional exemption to make the starting lineup.

MILITARY MATTERS: The U.S. Army will continue to sponsor drivers in NASCAR and the NHRA next season.

The Army will be the primary sponsor for Ryan Newman in the Sprint Cup series and Tony Schumacher in drag racing's Top Fuel division.