Burton: Age no problem for Martin

The 41-year-old, who used to be team-mates with Martin at Roush Fenway Racing, says his fellow veteran, who won his first race for three and a half years at Phoenix last Saturday, is probably in better shape now than 10 years ago.

He doesn't see why, at 50, Martin would be at any disadvantage in the title race over other top drivers in their 20s or 30s.

"There is no reason I can see that Mark is disadvantaged because of the age he is," said Burton. "I know there are people that would disagree with that. What matters is if you are physically able and he obviously is, remember he is probably more physically able than he has ever been.

"You guys don't know the agony he went through with his back for all those years. He's probably more fit and able to do this than he was 10 years ago, especially with his back problems.

"I think too that his perspective on things has helped him. I think that taking a step back and thinking that he didn't want to do it as badly as he really wanted to has really revitalised him and made him appreciate the opportunity he has. I don't see any reason that he couldn't win and win a lot."

Martin has yet to win the Sprint Cup series title, having finished second in the standings four times. After becoming the third most experienced driver ever to win a race, he could become the oldest driver to win the championship.

Bobby Allison currently holds that record after claiming the 1983 Cup title at the age of 45. Ted Musgrave is the oldest NASCAR champion in history, winning the 2005 Truck series title at 49.