NASCAR at Phoenix: A Win for the Ageless

Let it be written in the history books of NASCAR that on April 19, 2009, a Phoenix arose from the sandy desert floor of Avondale Arizona.

Retirement just didnt set well with Mark Martin. As much as he tried, he just couldnt retire his passion to drive a race car.

When the checkered flag flew at PIR tonight, it  wasn't a Gillette Young Gun or a Coca-Cola Family Driver who crossed the finish line first, it was Mark Martin, the Phoenix of NASCAR.

Starting from the pole, Martin was steady throughout the race, leading a total of 157 laps, more laps than he led all of last year. 

When Dale Earnhardt Jr. spun and hit the wall, the ensuing caution flag erased Martin's two second lead over Tony Stewart.

With all the front runners pitting for tires and gas, Martin needed a solid stop to be assured any chance of winning.

When the pit dust settled, it was Martin out first, followed closely by Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle.

Opting to not make a pit stop, Ryan Newman would re-start first, Martin second, and Tony Stewart would be moved up to third, courtesy of a Kyle Busch speeding penalty.  

Sandwiched between two teammates, one who was riding a 42 race win-less streak, and the other who was trying to win his first race as an owner-driver, Martin seemed to be against all odds.

When the final green flag flew, so did the Phoenix.

Martin passed Newman between turns one and two, and then proceeded to open up a four second lead between he and eventual second place finisher Stewart.

It had been 97 races since Mark Martin landed in victory lane, next stop Heliopolis.