In the high-octane world of NASCAR, seasoned veteran Mark Martin is calling for a revival of the sport’s “bad boys.” Martin, known for his blunt and outspoken demeanor, has been a pillar in the racing community for over three decades. Throughout his career, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in the sport, driving for top-tier teams. But now, he’s expressing concern over the current state of NASCAR.
Martin recently targeted what he believes to be a significant issue plaguing NASCAR today: the absence of the “bad boys.” The consensus amongst fans and critics alike is that the sport has become overly sanitized, with drivers suppressing their true feelings. According to Martin, the drivers have largely gone silent, taking away from the sport’s original raw appeal.
In a nostalgic yearning for the days of old, Martin voiced his desire for NASCAR to return to its roots. In a conversation with Chase Holden, he underscored the need for drivers like Tony Stewart. Stewart, known for his audacious and fiery spirit, never shied away from expressing his opinions, regardless of the consequences.
Martin praised Stewart, stating, “We need Tony Stewart. Tony Stewart did not give a damn. He was so good they could not crush him… But we need a guy that is so talented, a guy on the level of Kyle Larson, which is not Kyle’s style, but we need a guy with that level, generational talent to come in and just be real, you know.”
Stewart, revered for his infamous confrontations with fellow drivers and his remarkable talent, backed up his talk with multiple championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar.
Echoing his sentiments on his social media, Martin emphasized the need for fearless drivers who can bolster NASCAR to its former glory. He tweeted, “Never lift. To keep one’s foot firmly planted on the accelerator pedal with complete disregard to the possible outcome; can often end with catastrophic results, but with proper execution has been known to create legends.”
This statement brought to mind another audacious driver, Kyle Busch, known as ‘The Rowdy.’ Busch, notorious for his fearless driving style and unapologetic demeanor, encapsulates the spirit of a true NASCAR legend. His attitude was best encapsulated in his iconic post-race interview at Chicagoland in 2018, where he bluntly stated, “I don’t know what y’all are whining about, but if you don’t like that kind of racing, don’t even watch.”
However, as Busch’s career enters its twilight years, a new contender, Carson Hocevar of Spire Motorsports, appears to fit Martin’s description. Hocevar exhibited his aggressive nature after an incident at Atlanta with Ryan Blaney and Ross Chastain, stating, “There’s only so much I could do…I’m not going to apologize for having the shot to win a race.”
As for Kyle Busch, it’s been 62 races since his last victory, a stark contrast to his remarkable 19-year winning streak that ended last year. Speculation is rife about his future, especially after his successful stint in the broadcasting booth for an Xfinity race. Fellow driver, Denny Hamlin, even suggested that Busch should consider swapping his racing boots for a permanent place in the commentary booth.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, Martin’s call for a return of the “bad boys” serves as a reminder of the sport’s raw and unfiltered past. Whether or not this will catalyze a change remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of NASCAR’s future.