With over three decades of racing experience, the legendary driver recently took aim and pointed out what he believes is the biggest problem in NASCAR today, the missing “bad boys” element. Both fans and critics agreed with Martin’s belief that the sport has become too sanitized, with drivers not expressing what they feel, and that “the drivers have been honest and reasonable.” NASCAR legend Mark Martin has never been one to sugarcoat his strong opinions, whether it’s shutting down Kevin Harvick and his call for action against Kyle Busch at COTA or pointing out the issue with the current field of drivers pretty much gone silent.”
NASCAR requires it
The Bad Boys Martin said in an earlier interview with Chase Holden that he wanted NASCAR to revert to the sport’s original, unadulterated essence, citing Tony Stewart as an example of the driver NASCAR needs in the modern era. “Tony Stewart is required. Tony Stewart was unconcerned. They couldn’t smash him because he was so good. I would have been devastated by it. Although it is not Kyle Larson’s way, we need a man with as much talent as he does, someone with generational talent, to step in and just be honest, you know.
As seen by his numerous NASCAR and IndyCar championships, Tony Stewart had the skill to back up his renowned altercations, whether they were with other drivers like Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano, or countless others. In a recent tweet, Mark Martin reiterated his call for drivers with the skill and daring spirit that may restore NASCAR to its former glory: “Never lift.” Keeping one’s foot firmly placed on the accelerator pedal while completely ignoring the potential consequences can frequently have disastrous outcomes, but done well, it can also inspire legends. Another name that everyone thinks of when reading this tweet from Mark Martin, is none other than Kyle Busch, ‘The Rowdy’ himself.
Someone who, no matter what, didn’t change his position? Verify. can frequently have disastrous outcomes? Verify. But when done well, does it produce legends? Verify again. Someone who didn’t hesitate to express his desires? Rowdy was well-known for it. Do you recall the 2018 Chicagoland race, where he defeated Kyle Larson, got out of his car amid jeering spectators, and gave one of his legendary post-race interviews? “I don’t know why you guys are complaining, but don’t even watch if you don’t enjoy that type of racing.”
Is Rowdy’s line coming to an end?
In contrast to his 19-year winning streak, which was ended last year, it has been 62 races since we last saw Kyle Busch in the victory lane. He started his home race at the Las Vegas last weekend in fourth place, barely missing out on his first victory since his 2023 triumph in Illinois. Busch’s debut was being discussed while everyone waited for him to end his winless run. However, he made his debut not on the racetrack but rather in the broadcasting booth with CW for an Xfinity race, taking Parker Kligerman’s place. He performed well in the booth, almost instinctively.
Busch posted on social media, saying, “I had a good time in the broadcast booth today.” Who desires more? Does this portend future events? Denny Hamlin is positive that Busch will be seen in the television booth rather than on the racetrack. “I would like to acknowledge Kyle Busch. Fantastic work. He ought to give up racing. He referred to the Xfinity race as… He performed incredibly well. On his podcast, Denny Hamlin praised Busch’s skill in the booth and hinted that it could be time to hang out. “I thought Kyle blended in there really well like he has been there for quite some time” he said.
