NASCAR Cup Series

Martin finds fountain of youth at Hendrick

Published Jul. 29, 2009 8:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mark Martin laughs often. He smiles and jokes with his competitors, seems genuinely in admiration of his teammates and thrilled to be back behind the wheel full time.

He's 50 years old but brings the enthusiasm of a 20-something to the sport. In some ways, it's hard to believe he's raced for more than 20 consecutive seasons. In others, it seems as if he's been around even longer.