Mark Martin Deserves A Little Respect. Okay, Maybe A Lot.
Written by Tiffany Ricardo · July 1, 2008
I read something this morning that troubled me greatly. It seems that the U.S. Army is all for Mark Martin moving away from the #8 Chevrolet next season due to his age. They evidently want Aric Almirola in the car full-time because, at 24, he more “fits their demographic.”
Shame on you, Army Marketing! What a way to thank a veteran driver that stepped in and showed you all the respect in the world. Not to mention got you some pretty good finishes over the past year. I don’t recall seeing that kind of performance out of the driver with whom Martin is sharing the ride. Not to cast any aspersions on Almirola, as he hasn’t gotten a chance to rack up a lot of experience yet, but I do think he was put on the fast track to Sprint Cup way too soon.
Sharing rides is another thing I have a beef with, but we’ll go into that later in the week.
Last August, during the Michigan weekend that wouldn’t end, a bunch of us were hanging out at the MRN coaches in the drivers’ compound. Mark walked by and stopped to chat. The conversation inevitably turned to who might replace Dale Jr. in the #8, since that’s what all the speculation was about at the time. The announcement was set to be made very soon.
I remember Mark making a comment about how upset the fans would be when the driver was named. Of course, that sent us all into a tizzy of speculation. Who could possibly make the fans so upset? Paul Menard? Another open wheel guy? Danica Patrick? Charles Manson? Mark just smiled and wouldn’t give up a thing.
Of course, the new driver turned out to be none other than Mark Martin! I often think back to how humble the man must be if he honestly thought his presence at DEI would upset Dale Jr.’s loyal following so much. As far as I’m concerned, putting Mark Martin in the car was the smartest thing Theresa Earnhardt could have done. I’m positive a respected veteran like Martin helped to ease the blow of Jr.’s leaving, both for the team and the fans.
For the U.S. Army to allow the “Almirola is more of our demographic” comment to hit the media is utterly disgraceful. Martin has been an exemplary representative of the Army and every other sponsor whose colors he has ever carried on his race car.
I hope, if Mark ends up at Hendrick Motorsports next season, they show him the respect he has earned.
You can read more of Tiffany’s ramblings about life on the Sprint Cup Circuit at www.racelineonline.com. Click on the link to her “Ring of Fire” blog. Feel free to leave questions, comments, or winning lottery ticket numbers.
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6 Responses to “Mark Martin Deserves A Little Respect. Okay, Maybe A Lot.”
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Sorry to say but racing has more to with marketing than racing. In this case, since the ARMY is trying to impress and grab attention to 18-24 year olds (mostly males), a man whose 49 and looks like he’s 69, isn’t a good representative of what they’re doing.
If we’re in this for purist sake, then racing will go back to 50’s and local track jalopy races. Now some would like that but the money won’t and that’s what makes this capitalist system work.
Mark Martin is a great representative of stock car racing and will do most company’s just fine but not someone trying to attract teenagers whose parents probably aren’t as old as Mark.
Will -
While I totallly agree with you on the marketing thing, I just think it’s a bit harsh to poo-pooh a driver like Martin in the way they did. I completely understand that they want a young guy like Almirola in there, but really, couldn’t you give Mark a little better send off than this?
Mark Martin is my favorite driver, but… I think the Army Marketing could do better than Almirola. I also think the Army might have been willing to stick with Mark if he were willing to go back to a full time schedule. With a part time driver you will never make the Chase. I think the Army will be lucky if Almirola keeps the car in the top 35 for a guaranteed starting position over the course of a season. It’s great to see Mark race when he does, but if he’s not going to run weekly it’s going to be difficult for him to maintain good rides. Bill Elliot is in that position also, working with the increasingly hapless Woods Brothers.
The best point made here is Mark running an abbreviated schedule and splitting drivers. That’s what Mark wanted so to say he’s getting mishandled? I don’t buy that. The ARMY and Momentum (the agency), need someone upfront and there all the time. And yes, they also need to attract the young crowd and Mark may not relate very well, in that respect. Being up front on the track might be tough but the ARMY is all about the peripheral marketing.
I already have a great deal of respect for Mark Martin. However I can’t help but think of a former pitcher who wouldn’t admit to the cold hard truth. His name is Steve Carlton.
Mark Martin is the Steve Carlton of Nascar.
Thats they trouble with DEI the greedy evil step-mother is all about $ not winning. Can’t wait for Mark to be at HMS where a CLASS act and person will SHINE.