Veteran driver Mark Martin has finished second in the Sprint Cup standings four times already in his career (1990 and 1994 to Earnhardt, 1998 to Gordon and 2002 to Stewart). If he was one day disappointed by such result, he ensures he sees things differently today.

Martin told Speed’s John Sturbin that he was only happy to be able to fight with such incredible drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and even Dale Earnhardt, back in the “old days”.

The 50 years-old-driver admits his records simply do not stand comparison with theirs, and he is satisfied to be able to give those guy’s fans chills and anxiety by doing what he loves most: racing.

"My record don’t stand up to his [Earnhardt]…just doesn’t. And when you stand me up against Jeff Gordon…it just don’t stand up to it, man. I understand that. [...] I don’t think I am better than all those guys, I am just glad I can get out there and beat them once in a while," Martin told Sturbin.

So what can disappoint Martin? A crash at the last race of the season? Not even. He says finishing third after a mechanical problem during the last race of the season some 20 years ago  (1989 season) was his biggest disappointment as he then finished third in the standings.

Martin adds that he hates losing “by flipping” like it happened last week at Talladega. "I would rather go down fighting than flipping," he said.

The veteran will most likely lose another Cup this year as Jimmie Johnson has a full race-points ahead of him in the standing (185 points). He admits that Johnson crew is unbelievable and the driver, a real champion.

He won’t cry if he loses, he’ll just be very happy of what he has accomplished this year: being able to compete with the best drivers out there, at 50, with a new team.