From the October, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Mark Martin Stumbles at Charlotte
The Bank of America 500 was going perfect for Mark Martin much of the night. At certain times during the race, Martin had actually taken over the points lead. That all came to a screeching halt with 91 laps remaining, however.As rookie J.J. Yeeley tried to enter pit road, he crossed Mark Martin sending the #6 AAA Ford crashing into the turn 4 wall. The crash did more than end Mark's night, it most likely ended his chances at winning the Championship in what will be Mark's last full season of racing on the Nextel Cup circuit.
Overall, it was a sad and disappointing night for one of NASCAR's most beloved drivers. Martin, always the optimist, crawled out of his car and reacted in the same way that has earned the support of fans over his entire career. "The championship is not really something that's meant to be for me ever," Martin said. "It's not gonna beat me down. I'm having a good time. I'm having a blast."
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