The "Senior sprinter" as he was called today - celebrated his fifth win of the season - his first full season in a couple of years.

Mark Martin beat Juan Pablo Montoya on a three-lap sprint to the finish on Sunday to win the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship opener and spoil the 34th birthday of the younger Montoya.

Although Montoya complained and whined about what he originally called a "dirty move" on the part of Martin - had to admit that his lack of experience was really at the heart of his loss.

"Pinch me. I am sure I'm sleeping. I am sure I am dreaming." said the 50 year old Martin at the end of the race that placed him 35 points ahead of runner-up Denny Hamlin and three time defending champion Jimmy Johnson in the race to the chase.

Martin is one of the oldest and most respected drivers in NASCAR.  His win is cause for celebration from all the drivers - except perhaps Montoya. 

Check out our top 10 reasons for Keene bailing on the Turkey Tussle in today's "SportsTown" section. Several of them are probably closer to the truth than the reasons we've heard so far. Maybe you can think of a few others; let's hear 'em.

Sports Czars

The Ravens clinched their first-ever NCAA Division II Final Four appearance with their 88-73 victory over California, Pa., on Tuesday night.

FPU will play the winner of tonight's late game between Delta State and West Texas A&M in the Final Four on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

The national semifinal will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Johannah Leedham led the Ravens with a game-high 34 points. Jennifer Leedham and Toby Martin each scored 16 points and Tori Ahrens scored 10.

FPU (28-5) established a program record for victories with the win, while California, Pa., winds up 29-5.

Lindsay Johnson led the Vulcans with 30 points. Brooque Williams scored 14.

Jennifer Leedham just hit a 3-pointer to put FPU up 85-68 with 1:35 to play.

The Ravens are shooting 56 percent (27-of-58) from the field.

Leedham and Martin each have 16 points.

Johannah Leedham just hit two free throws to give her 30 points and put FPU up 77-68 with four minutes to play.

It's now 69-61 FPU with 7:45 to play. The Ravens committed three straight turnovers.

The announcer said this was FPU's first-ever Elite Eight appearance - forgetting about last year's berth.

At the midpoint of the half, Franklin Pierce leads 68-56.

The Vulcans just had a chance to make it a single-digit deficit, but missed a free-throw attempt.

Marielle Giroud just hit 1-of-2 free throws to make it 69-56.

Toby Martin has scored five straight points to give her Ravens their largest lead of the night, 66-51, with about 12 minutes to play.

Martin hit a wide-open 3-pointer and on the next possession hit a running jumper.

Martin has 14 points.

Johannah Leedham has three fouls.

First timeout of the second half, with Ravens up 58-49 about three minutes in.

Johannah Leedham leads FPU with 23 points, matched by Cal's Lindsay Johnson.

The Vulcans have not attempted a free throw yet tonight.

Franklin Pierce leads California, Pa., 48-37 at halftime of their Elite Eight matchup.

Both teams are having a good shooting night. FPU is 63 percent from the field to 54 percent for the Vulcans.

Johannah Leedham has a game-high 17 points, with several coming in transition. Sister Jen Leedham and Toby Martin each have nine points for the Ravens.

Lindsay Johnson has 15 points for Cal, Pa., and Brooque Williams has 12.