One of the most successful and well-respected drivers on the circuit, Mark Martin has been eluded by some of the sport's top honors. In his 27-year career, Martin has been a runner-up in the series standings four times and in 2007 came within inches of winning his first Daytona 500.

The last time Martin drove to victory lane was three years ago in Kansas, and Martin is getting hungry. Heading into this weekend's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, Mark "The Kid" Martin is looking to break into victory lane in one of the sport's most illustrious races.

"I'm planning on winning the Brickyard in the 8 car," a confident Martin said back in June at Pocono. "We've got the stuff, we got the team, cars are awesome on the flat tracks - Phoenix and Richmond. I have never planned on anything any more than my plan is for the Brickyard."

"That's the crown jewel," Martin said of the upcoming race at Indy. In thirteen tries at the famed Brickyard, Martin has five top-fives and nine top-tens and came home in sixth spot in last year's event.

Recently announcing his move to Hendrick Motorsports to run for the championship in 2009, Martin desperately wants to give crew chief Tony Gibson and the entire No. 8 crew a win.

"The team is strong enough on pit road and Tony Gibson and those guys that work on that car are due a win," Martin said of his crew. "They got several disappointments last year when they had great race cars and had failures and what have you. Nothing would make me happier than to see their faces in victory lane."

The Batesville, Ark.-native seems to have a new bounce in his step this season and appears more focused then ever. Although Martin originally planned to step away from racing after the 2005 season, the 49-year-old driver has remained a threat behind the wheel. If his confidence is any indicator, don't be surprised if Martin kneels with his entire crew and kisses the bricks after a successful outing on Sunday.