NASCAR's Rodney Dangerfield

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield was known as the guy who never got any respect, and right now, NASCAR driver Mark Martin knows exactly how that feels. After last season, Martin signed on for two more seasons to drive the #5 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports. That would keep him in the seat of the #5 car through next season in 2011. Three months ago, Kasey Kahne signed with Rick Hendrick to step into the #5 car in 2012 when Martin departs. That deal however, included the promise that Hendrick would get Kahne a ride for 2011. Since Hendrick Motorsports is already at its four team limit, that means they have to put together a deal with another team in order to find a ride for Kahne. So far, Hendrick has not been able to get that deal done, which naturally kicks the rumor mill into high gear.

When asked about his plans for next season, Mark Martin has repeatedly said that he is under contract to drive the #5 car next season and that is exactly what he plans on doing. Speculation however, has been circulating through the garage that Martin will step aside and allow Kahne to go ahead and move into the #5 car next season. When asked about that scenario, Martin once again reiterated that he will be driving the #5 car next season. As the rumors keep circulating, so do the same old questions. Will Mark leave, so Kasey can step in to the ride? It has finally gotten to the point where Martin says he feels “very disrespected” because no one believes him. He repeatedly takes the same stance that he will drive the #5 car next season, but the pundants just keep asking it over and over again. Mark says that he has given them an answer, but they just won’t accept it. Where is the respect for a veteran driver that for the most part during his career has been very honest and direct with the media… Sometimes too direct.

The issue reared its ugly head again this past weekend, as former crew chief and now TV commentator, Ray Evernham said that he thinks Martin will step aside and let Kahne drive the #5 car for “the good of the Hendrick organization.” Remember now, that Evernham was crew chief for Jeff Gordon at Hendrick Motorsports, and some think that Evernham was merely doing Hendrick’s dirty work by suggesting that Martin should bow out gracefully. And once again, Dangerfield, I mean Martin, has to repeat the same answer he has given all alone. Having to repeat himself is getting a little frustrating for Martin, who suggested that that the media should be focusing on what Kasey is going to do next season, because he has told them what he is going to do, drive the #5 car.

Perhaps the reason for the speculation comes as Martin, who won five times and was in the championship hunt until the final week last season, is currently trying to fight his way out of a slump that has left him winless in 2010 and currently outside of Chase.

The official response this past weekend from team owner Rick Hendrick is that he will not force Martin out of his ride, and that they will honor their contract with Mark. Gee thanks Rick! It’s the least that you could do for the 51 year old driver, who certainly gave you more than your moneys worth last season. Now let me say this I respect Rick Hendrick as one of the nicest, most honorable team owners in the sport. HOWEVER… Rick I think you dropped the ball on this one. Right after he said that they would honor Mark’s contract, he added that the decision was Mark’s to make and that he would not close the door on Kasey Kahne stepping into that seat. What a left-handed vote of confidence for Martin.

Don’t take me wrong, I understand the situation. Hendrick Motorsports has backed their selves into a corner. They have 4 drivers under contract through 2011, but yet they must find a ride for Kasey Kahne next season. Yes, the easiest solution would be for Martin to step aside and let Kahne take over. After all, that is the direction of the future. But I can easily see where Martin feels like he is getting no respect. The media doesn’t believe him when he says he will drive the #5 car next season… His team owner doesn’t sound truly committed to the idea... And the seed was planted by a well respected former crew chief that Martin should step aside for the good of the organization. What about the good that Martin brought to the organization last season, and to NASCAR, for that fact, over the past 30 years. I understand how the business of racing is fueling this fire. But I also understand that after some three decades in the sport, Mark Martin deserves better than Rodney Dangerfield.