CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- With zero titles in an otherwise storied career, Mark Martin again heads into the Chase for the championship as the sentimental favorite. This is supposed to be his final full-time season, his last chance to make a desperate grab at an elusive NASCAR crown.

But just like last year, when he allowed car owner Jack Roush to talk him into extending his farewell tour, Martin is again wavering. There are cracks in his previously steadfast desire to scale back, making it difficult to believe this really is Martin's final run.

Consider:

Martin said he didn't want to run a Nextel Cup schedule this season, but here he is, back for a 19th year in the No. 6 Ford.

He was adamant in May that he would never consider a partial Cup schedule because part-time rides aren't capable of winning. Now he admits he'd be interested in running about a dozen races next year.

Martin said a report that he would drive the No. 88 Ford in 2007 was absolutely not true, and he's had zero discussions with Robert Yates Racing officials about it. He also insists he doesn't want to be a team owner. But in virtually the same breath, Martin admits anything can change with a simple phone call.

Martin knows how all this waffling makes him look, so he's careful about what he says these days.

"Look at me, I'm driving this year and I said it wasn't going to happen,'' he said. "So I'm trying not to do a whole bunch more of that. I don't want a reputation for you not being able to count on what I say -- that's something that is important to me.''

So the most pressing question in NASCAR right now is this: What is Mark Martin going to do next year?

It would seem no one -- not even Martin himself -- knows the answer.

Like everyone else, he sees the pressing need RYR has with the No. 88. Dale Jarrett is leaving at the end of the season and taking sponsor UPS with him, and car owners Doug and Robert Yates need to deliver someone big to gain the money it will take to keep that team afloat. RYR has newcomer David Gilliland in its second car, and desperately need to give him a veteran teammate to help him find his way.

CHASE TO THE CUP

SUNDAY -- Sylvania 300, Loudon, N.H.

Sept. 24 -- Dover (Del.) 400

Oct. 1 -- Banquet 400, Kansas City, Kan.

Oct. 8 -- UAW-Ford 500, Talladega, Ala.

Oct. 14 -- Bank of America 500, Concord, N.C.

Oct. 22 -- Subway 500, Martinsville, Va.

Oct. 29 -- Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, Hampton, Ga.

Nov. 5 -- Dickies 500, Fort Worth, Texas

Nov. 12 -- Checker Auto Parts 500, Avondale, Ariz.

Nov. 19 -- Ford 400, Homestead, Fla.