Martin to skip Bristol while on top

The 47-year-old four-times Cup runner-up said Tuesday during a teleconferece that he feels good about putting an end to 621 consecutive career starts with his name appearing at the top of the points after four races.

"Well, it feels good. Certainly the way that you would like to do it. And it's been a long consecutive number, 621 and the last four have been some of the best of my career," said Martin.

"So I look forward to moving forward and carrying out my plan, and I look forward to watching the race on Sunday. And I'm just really grateful for all the fan support that I've had, especially over the last year."

The Ginn Racing driver, who will be replaced at Bristol and Martinsville by rookie Regan Smith, said he is happy to get the weight of championship aspirations off his shoulders after enjoying nearly 20 years of success at the top level.

"People that are saying that they can't believe it, they haven't lived it. Not only have I been doing it for 19 years straight, but I've been doing it successfully for 19 years straight. I've only had one year that really wasn't a great year by anyone's standards. Been in the top 10 in points every year but three in 19.

"So you know with that comes great responsibility to your sponsors, to the media, to the fans and to your team, to continue all those expectations and to continue to fight for a championship. You don't want to this year, so it hasn't been gut wrenching at all."

"I mean, I've had mixed emotions but it's not been about the championship. It's about racing in general. But I'm excited that I don't have to worry about chasing the championship and making the chase. And it's been a lot of stress for a lot of years and I don't have that weight on my shoulders anymore. Certainly don't have it in 2007."

Martin is expected to be back in the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet for round seven of the Nextel Cup Series at the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway on April 15.