Mark Martin To Robert Yates?

The most active silly season rumor in the garage has Mark Martin headed over to Robert Yates Racing to become the savior for the floundering team.

Mark Martin's farewell to the NASCAR Nextel Cup series could be placed on hold for yet another season. In 2004, Martin announced that 2005 would be his finale, but returned to the #6 Roush Racing Ford after the whole Jamie McMurray/Chip Ganassi/Kurt Busch/Roger Penske ordeal materialized.

So 2006 is positively Martin's last hurrah, right? Well, not according to sources in the NASCAR Nextel Cup garage.

Martin may join forces with Robert Yates Racing and take over the #88 seat vacated by 1999 NASCAR Champion Dale Jarrett.

We know that this would be a significant downgrade for Martin as far as his being competitive, but this could also be a downgrade for the Yates group as well.

When Robert Yates Racing was at their peak, they could have still been considered inferior to Roush Racing, yet Dale Jarrett won a championship and Martin has played the role as bridesmaid on multiple occasions. I know it may not be fair, and the Martin fans may become outraged, but going by that simple fact, Jarrett is the driver that gets more out of his equipment.

I could be wrong, and Martin could be the medication that Robert Yates needs. Martin is a heck of a driver, and obviously, judging by his opting to return to NASCAR racing in 2006, he is a dedicated and loyal individual. And maybe the timing is perfect for the Martin/Yates marriage. I guess we'll have to wait and see if this rumor is just that, or if there is any truth to it.

After the many Jarrett and Martin battles in the late 1990's, it would be somewhat strange watching Martin wheel that #88 Ford.

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