Mark Martin Affirms Inflated TV Deal Is “Turning NASCAR Into WWE”

Hall of Famer Mark Martins had made some bold comments regarding the TV deals of NASCAR and how the need to have changes in the sport.

Mark Martin Affirms Inflated TV Deal Is “Turning NASCAR Into WWE”

Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

Despite going through one of the most disappointing times in terms of TV rating in the modern era, NASCAR is still one of the most viewed sporting events in USA. This fact helped the sport to secure a $1.1 billion/year broadcasting and steaming deal in 2024. But Hall of Famer Mark Martin has some issues with the seven-year deal.

One of the most successful racers in the history of the sport and a fan favorite, Mark Martin recently sat down for an exclusive interview with ex-racer Kenny Wallace. There the duo discussed NASCAR’s evolution, championship format and how the gimmicks have ruined the sport. One such topics that was discussed was the TV deal.

The veteran believes asserted that the TV deal NASCAR has signed at the moment is more than what it actually worth, showing the management team did a solid job selling the sport. But this produces a situation where the sport is always under pressure to deliver more exciting races, prompting the introduction of gimmicks.

He believes this inspiring the sport to move away from the trial and tested method of the past that ahs helped it to thrive and be more like WWE, the scripted wrestling entertainment show. Martin hates the chance of this happening and admitted that he would have taken less money to make sure the sport stays true to its roots.

One of my points about NASCAR selling it for more than what I think it’s truly worth, kudos to them, good job, but now they even more than ever have to deliver ratings and eyeballs on the TV so if that means turning NASCAR into WWE. You know I don’t want to see that and I would take less money to not have to go there.

Mark Martin said in an interview with Kenny Wallace.

Mark Martin urges NASCAR to make changes to playoff system and broadcast

In the same conversation Mark Martin shared his thoughts on the need to change the playoff format. He is okay with having the playoffs, but needs a bigger sample size. He wants at least five races as the finale and will be happy if they have the whole last 10 races playoff being considered to crown the stock car racing champion.

Mark Martin
Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

There’s debate whether the [final round] should be three races, or if it should be five — still, most of the fans want 36 (a full season championship). I wouldn’t bash NASCAR if they went back to 10. I think five is too little. I don’t think it’s a large enough sample.

Mark Martin said.

Further talking about the point, Mark Martin asserted that the broadcasting crew needs to work hard to make the sport more entertainment within the limits of it. They want the camara to follow the drivers more and share more inside the garage footage with the fans, creating more superstars for the sport.

What I say is, TV people need to work harder. They need to change this to more traditional and stick with what we are. TV needs to work harder to make it exciting. They can. Go to people’s shops, follow these drivers around, look at these teams, look at these crew chiefs. Bring other interests into it.

Mark Martin added.

The comments from the legend are something NASCAR needs to consider while making decimos regarding the sport future. It is not going to be easy to change the playoffs now, the sport and time has changed. But at the same time there needs to some change made, with in the boundaries the sport has, to make championship fair.

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