Is This It For Mark Martin? (WRALSportsFan.com)

(Originally appeared Aug. 19, 2011 at WRALSportsFan.com)

Virtually every week, the same question keeps getting asked: "What are your plans for next season?"

And each week the answer is given in the same monotonic response: "I don't know. But things will work out. I'm not worried."

Perhaps the reason Mark Martin isn't worried is because 2011 will be his last season as a Sprint Cup driver, period.

Now, admittedly, Martin hasn't said so. We've not heard him utter the R-word – retirement – even once.

But if you look at all of the things that have happened – and continue to happen this season when it comes to drivers potentially changing teams – Martin's name is rarely mentioned.

So much has – or more appropriately, had – been mentioned about the crop of free agents that would be available after the 2011 season was over: Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer and Juan Pablo Montoya.

And Martin.

Well, fast-forward to the present time and Edwards recently signed a new long-term deal to remain with Roush Fenway Racing, Bowyer is reportedly close to signing a new deal with Richard Childress Racing, and Montoya is on the cusp of re-upping with Chip Ganassi Racing – as if anyone expected him to go anywhere else, right?

So tell me, what rides are left for 2012? Correction, make that what QUALITY rides are left for 2012?

None. Zero. Nada.

To continue reading, click here: