NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin stops by Out of the Groove as part of the 2026 season preview, and the conversation goes everywhere, from championship formats to the next generation of stars in a wide-ranging, thoughtful discussion with one of the most respected voices in the sport. Before diving in, a quick reminder that the NASCAR Pole Position 2026 season launch magazine is available now, either as a standalone collectible or as part of a full-year subscription, packed with more than 75 storylines to watch this season. You can find it HERE.
- Why did Mark Martin take such an active role in pushing NASCAR’s new championship format?
- Does the new Chase structure restore legitimacy and simplicity for fans?
- Which young drivers and rising stars have Mark Martin’s full attention heading into 2026?
- Can veteran drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch keep winning deep into their careers?
Martin shares candid insight into how fans outside the NASCAR “bubble” really feel, why he believes the sport needed a philosophical reset, and how marketing, TV pressure, and long-term vision all intersect. He also dives into raw driver development, aging in racing, and why the next wave of talent, both men and women, could define NASCAR’s future in a big way.
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