Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently reflected on a powerful Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mark Martin memory, recounting Mark Martin’s legendary #60 Winn-Dixie run at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Jr.’s recollection provided fans with a vivid snapshot of Martin’s fearless approach and significant influence during a pivotal NASCAR moment.
Mark Martin, a 66-year-old veteran in the NASCAR Cup Series, built a storied legacy marked by 40 victories, 271 top-five finishes, 453 top-ten results, and 56 pole wins over the course of 882 starts. His career spanned 31 years and saw him lead 12,877 laps, with an average starting position of just over 12th. Martin’s remarkable achievements earned him a spot among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
Recounting an Early Morning Encounter at Charlotte
Earnhardt Jr. brought fans back to an early morning Busch Grand National practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway, emphasizing the skill and confidence exhibited by Martin. Earnhardt Jr. was struck by Martin’s mastery as soon as they got onto the track, trailing behind Martin to observe his technique up close as dew still clung to the grass.
“It was early in the morning. Maybe 8am early. A Busch Grand National practice session on a Friday morning. There was still dew on the grass in the tri oval of the front stretch. Mark was sitting on pit road and I maneuvered to get behind him and follow him onto the racetrack. The official motioned us to proceed. He quickly accelerated toward top speed. I hustled to keep up. We rounded turn 3 and 4 and onto the front stretch. I was still close enough to learn, to study this master at work.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver
Martin’s command of his car through turn one left a lasting impression on Earnhardt Jr., as he realized just how much there was to learn from the veteran driver that day.
“As I prepared to turn into the first corner at full speed, I watched this car arc into turn 1 at Charlotte and I’ve never since seen a more impressive, awe inspiring, confident entry. He had zero doubt the car could handle it. It was wide, and it was full send. I knew then, none of us were ready for what he was gonna do on race day. I didn’t beat him that weekend. But I learned that day what it took to be great in our series. Mark was a teacher for many of us back then,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. concluded. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver
The #60 machine, bearing the branding of Winn-Dixie, an established supermarket chain headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, became inseparable from Martin’s reputation for control and bravery on the track. Winn-Dixie, founded in 1925, is known for serving customers in five southeastern states, but its presence on Martin’s car established additional cultural significance during those iconic racing weekends.
Mark Martin Succeeds Earnhardt Jr. at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
The intersection of these NASCAR legends extended beyond the race track. After concluding the 2007 season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. left Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), and Mark Martin was chosen to take over as driver of the #8 Chevy in 2008. For Earnhardt Jr., Martin’s appointment was a welcome change, as he had long admired Martin’s skill and drive.
“I’m a Mark Martin fan from when he was racing the No. 2 back in Nashville. I remember when he came over to my dad’s house with a couple of tapes from his races in Nashville and played them on a Beta VCR. We watched those races and he was trying his hardest to show my dad how good a race car driver he was. He was trying hard to get a good ride.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver
After a season with DEI, Martin transitioned to Hendrick Motorsports in 2009, where he became a teammate of Earnhardt Jr. for three seasons, piloting the #5 Chevy. Martin’s career also included time at Michael Waltrip Racing, and he eventually retired in 2013 after concluding stints with Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing.
The Ongoing Impact of Iconic Moments in NASCAR
These candid memories illustrate not only the direct mentorship and admiration shared between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin, but also how powerful performances and personal interactions continue to shape the NASCAR landscape. The legacy of their time together—on the track at Charlotte and as teammates—serves as a blueprint for aspiring drivers aiming to reach the heights of the sport.
