Usually described because the “best driver to by no means win a championship,” Mark Martin left an enduring legacy within the NASCAR world. He was inducted into the NASCAR Corridor of Fame in 2017, having competed within the sport between 1981 and 2013. Through the tenure, Martin got here agonizingly near successful an elusive championship, however he might by no means understand the dream.
He retired with 96 wins throughout NASCAR’s three nationwide sequence, seventh on the all-time checklist. In 1998, he earned the accolade of being considered one of NASCAR’s 50 best drivers. However none of that makes him the person that Martin is right now.
Mark Martin Earns Followers’ Appreciation for Being a Real Human Being
Over the course of a 31-year keep within the NASCAR premier sequence, Martin achieved 40 race wins and 61 runner-up finishes in 882 begins. With 56 profession poles, the retired driver additionally ranks seventh on the all-time checklist. Moreover, Martin gained 49 races in what’s now often known as the Xfinity Collection.
However for followers, the 66-year-old stays a beloved driver due to his down-to-earth nature. X consumer @honeycroppers wrote to the veteran driver, appreciating him for at all times being form and constructive. They added that such a gesture has develop into a rarity in right now’s world.
In reply, Martin thanked the consumer and wrote that there have been nonetheless many nice folks world wide, and he was grateful for that.
“Thanks. There are lots of actually nice folks on right here and I’m grateful.”
Thanks. There are lots of actually nice folks on right here and I’m grateful. https://t.co/Ya176Zh6HJ
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) Might 22, 2025
Even when he disagrees with followers’ opinions, Martin by no means makes use of derogatory remarks to make his level. The 66-year-old stays well mannered when sharing his opinion, additional appreciating the respect he receives in return.
Most just lately, he weighed in on the criticism confronted by the Cup Collection race in Kansas, the place followers have been upset with a not-so-happening race.
Jeff Gluck held a web-based ballot on whether or not the race was good or not, and 58.5% of the 22,000+ individuals who participated gave the race a thumbs up. Nevertheless, the feedback part of the ballot had followers divided over the race, and Martin was additionally within the combine.
He responded to the destructive feedback from followers by claiming that they might line up the drivers the identical means the following day and see a very totally different end result. Martin added, “You possibly can’t make each race a three-wide end result.”
His phrases minimize by means of the noise, reminding followers that NASCAR’s enchantment is about extra than simply dramatic, last-lap sprints to the checkered flag.
