Mark Martin Sometimes Feels “Embarrassed Like an Idiot” While Campaigning for Dropping Playoff Format

Mark Martin has shared his thoughts on his feelings regarding demanding for NASCAR’s return to 36-race championship format.

Mark Martin Sometimes Feels “Embarrassed Like an Idiot” While Campaigning for Dropping Playoff Format

Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

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NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin is one of the drivers that properly experienced both Legacy points championship format and the current playoff format, with his career that span over 31 seasons. That makes him one of the most qualified names for compare the two and give a verdict. He has always been in the side of scrapping the playoffs and going back to the original format.

The last few weeks has seen the stock car racing community getting back to actively debating the topic, following reports that revealed NASCAR isn’t planning to change the one race finale system for 2026, despite earlier promises. Mark Martin, like many legends of the sport, didn’t like the direction NASCAR is at the moment.

On his latest appearance on the Happy Hour podcast hosted by Kevin Harvick, who also has similar feelings about the playoffs, Mark Martin explained why he is championing for the format change. He asserted that at every track he has visited over the years, he has seen the community seeking a return to the old format, that is in use in all of the other premier racing championships in the world.

This inspired him to use his platform and his influence as a legend of the sport, by being the voice of the voiceless. But this isn’t an easy task, as there have been times he felt embarrassed over his actions for some reasons. Yet, he continues his effort as he understands, he is standing up for the truth by demanding for a change.

Everybody I talk to at the racetrack tells me, and they tell me the same thing over and over and over again. I see it. So, I just decided that I could be their voice. Their voice is not being heard, so I can be their voice. Sometimes, I feel a little bit embarrassed like an idiot, but I believe what I’m saying is true.

Mark Martin said via Happy Hour podcast.

Mark Martin explains how much fans want the 36-race championship

Further talking about the point on the same podcast, Mark Martin asserted that majority of the fans wants the point format and the 36-race championship. Being part of the playoff committee, is pushing hard to make the change happen, but doesn’t seem to succeed in his efforts, with the broadcasting partners having a bigger voice in the decision making.

Mark Martin
Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

That’s pretty much about the points. There’s a lot of things that we could talk about. The points championship is the one that’s being looked at by NASCAR and all right now is how could we change the format, or do we need to at all? The majority of fans want a 36-race championship.

Mark Martin said.

He also admitted that not all fans want the return to old format, as some of them are calling for an update to the current system by increasing the playoff sample size to crown the champion. But they are not the majority, so Martin isn’t going advocate for them, instead he is determined to continue demanding a return to 36 race formats.

Then, 30 percent of the fans want a 10-race chase. 20 percent of the fans want the playoff system or an adjusted version of the playoff system. Until somebody proves me wrong, or until I get an answer for the fans for why their voice doesn’t matter in this decision, I’m going to keep it up.

Mark Martin added.

The comments from the ex-Hendrick Motorsports driver seems rational and on point. It also suggests that despite the controversies and criticism he is facing at the moment, he is willing to fight for a change the sport needs and give the fans what they actually deserve. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout regarding the format in the coming years.

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