If 30 is the new 20 then what is 50?

Simply fabulous, that's what.

It's especially fabulous for a handful of racers proving the average life span of a NASCAR driver is no longer late 30s to early 40s.

These drivers are also proving NASCAR's "youth movement" isn't the only force driving the future of the sport. Sure, there will be a certain degree of attrition and the need for new talent, but older drivers will no longer be sent out to pasture before their time as was the case in years past.

Even driver development programs touting talented teenagers seemingly have fallen by the way side. A sponsor should feel free to support a veteran because the stars of the show this season are the oldies but goodies like Mark Martin.

That was evident by the cheers for Martin on Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway after finishing second to race winner Kyle Busch.

"I don't know why they were so kind to me. Maybe they realize that the reason that I've been around for a thousand races is because I love it as much as they do," Martin said.

Approaching 50 and a favorite to win in Montreal this weekend, Ron Fellows said, "We're in our fifth decade and right now Mark is proving that to be very fashionable. So, hey, let me at it."

Already at it for a while now is Ron Hornaday. He's enjoying a dream season at the young age of 51. Leading the Camping World Truck Series by 211 points on Matt Crafton, Hornaday just ended a five-race winning streak and has a total of six wins this season. (Continued)