Martin will be a full-time driver next year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Mark Martin doesn't want to drive race cars forever. But as long as he can compete at the highest level, he can't bring himself to walk away from NASCAR.

Martin said yesterday he'll run a full season next year, his 22nd in NASCAR. He's in the first year of a two-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports, but 2010 was fluid and Martin had initially thought he'd run just a partial schedule next season.

But he ended a 97-race winless streak with last month's victory at Phoenix. At 50, he became the third-oldest winner in NASCAR history.

"I'm in the best condition of my life," Martin said. "I'm recharged, and I'm motivated. Going to the racetrack every weekend is still really fun, and that's the key. There's more gas in my tank."

Martin will stay in the No. 5, but sponsorship for next season has not been solidified.

It's not clear how Martin's decision will impact Hendrick developmental driver Brad Keselowski, who became NASCAR's newest Cup winner two weeks ago with a surprise victory at Talladega Superspeedway.

Keselowski drives full time in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports. Under NASCAR rules, Hendrick is permitted to field a fifth Cup entry in seven races this season as a way to help Keselowski gain experience at the top level.

Keselowski also picked up an additional eight to 10 races with car owner James Finch and drove Finch's car to the dramatic win at Talladega. It raised the profile of the 25-year-old protégé of Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Keselowski said he wants to run full time in the Cup series next season.

But he also said he'd like to stay involved with Hendrick, and Martin's commitment to 2010 means Hendrick doesn't have a seat for Keselowski. It's possible Hendrick can still get Keselowski in a Cup car through one of his partners.