My Mark Martin story

[IROC FAN]

I first saw Mark Martin race live and in person a t Anderson California in the early 80's, 82 I think. I recognized his name because he was the many time ASA champ back then. Anderson is a 3/8 mile paved oval, anyway he set the track record that weekend and that record wasn't broken for 13 years. 13 years of technical advances, and track improvements, I still can't beleive that! The next time I saw him race was Winston Cup in 95 at Phoenix. I was in the pits for qualifying, watching into the fenced off garage area and saw him walking in my direction. He came out into the middle of about 100 people, I thought he was on his way somewhere, but he was just going to sign autographs. He signed for about 3 or so hours, and when the crowd thinned out I got to ask him if he remembered that track, and told him of his longstanding record there. He just smiled real big, like you didn't see much from him back then. We talked for a while, and he really is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. My friend that I went with is a huge Earnhardt fan, we tried and tried to get his autograph but didn't. We have him on VHS tape walking clear around a hauler to get out of signing an autograph for one man. Not being critical of him or anything, I am sure he was well covered that weekend, but some things stay ingrained in your mind. I will never forget that visit with Mark.

[Rumor]

We used to go to MIS. There was a couple of guys that we would always see there. One guy had a pic of Mark when he ran ASA. One time we saw Mark, and he took the pic to have Mark sign it. Mark looked and did a double take and laughed. Then signed it.

I guess he couldn't believe anyone had anything from when he ran in that series.

[IROC FAN]

I have seen many ASA races with him in them. ASA is probably my favorite series when it comes to good racing. I have always said "If you want to watch the best race car drivers they are in Winston Cup, If you want to watch the best racing watch ASA." That time at Winchester speedway when Mark won the race with a broken leg, and all banged up I have recorded. That was pretty impressive. I just wish for his sake that he could be in a car somewhat close to the best for a season, he is by far the best driver to never have won a championship in Winston Cup.

In my opinion Jeff Gordon's cars make him look pretty good, Mark makes his cars look pretty good, well except for last year! Roush has in my opinion never been on top of his game, Mark was such a great driver that they ended up pretty good. I think Jack has just got a little bit greedy with all the Trucks, Busch series car, and 4 or 5 Cup teams.

:beer:

[Rumor]

I expect Mark to retire within the next year or two, so he'll stay with the Mad Hatter.

Kenseth, I think should leave and find a new team. And yes Jack is a greedy man. For awhile there, it looked like every car on the track was gonna be owned by Roush! :L1

And I love ASA racing. Can't wait for this season to start.

[IROC FAN]

Mark is under contract through 2005, his son will be of racing age by then so I know Mark will retire then. His interest is already in his sons racing career. Mark has done everything he wants to do in racing except for that championship.

Everyone that is with Roush should go elsewhere if they want a championship.