The Last Chase for Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace

NASCAR veterans Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace are approaching the final days of their stock car racing careers. They had both previously announced that 2005 would be their concluding year as competitive drivers seeking the ultimate crown of NASCAR champion. Do they intend to bow out gracefully without a fight against the young guns of the sport? It sure doesn't seem so. Mark Martin has been runner-up for the NASCAR championship for 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002. He has compiled 35 Nextel Cup victories during his racing days. Mark has also been in the top 10 for 13 straight seasons. It would seem that the elusive NASCAR championship title should be his solely for the sake of justice. Could his reputation as a driver with an honest and untainted past reward him with a glorious finish? How about Rusty Wallace? He is no stranger to victory after 55 Nextel Cup triumphs under his belt as well as a 1989 NASCAR championship. Rusty has stated that he fully intends to "go out on top of my game" before the closure of his great career. His finale as the leader would be something to solidify his racing history in a classic competitive style. Wouldn't it just be a pure dose of decency to have one of these legends be the one to take it all in '05? The best of luck to both and may they understand that they have already achieved victory in the hearts of their true fans.