Mark Martin held agency in opposition to a NASCAR insider’s defence of the brand new playoff format. The Corridor of Fame driver is a recognized critic of the elimination-style playoffs and has lengthy known as for a return to the traditional factors system.
Earlier than ‘the chase’ was launched, NASCAR used to run an F1 kind championship the place the motive force with most factors was topped champion. Nonetheless, this typically meant the title was determined effectively earlier than the season concluded.
Though the present system ensures a final-race showdown, the resetting of factors arguably undermines the season main upto the finale. On the opposite aspect, this allowed for sure wild card entries to enter the playoffs solely by their shock wins within the common season, very similar to Shane Van Gisbergen, who at the moment ranks among the many backmarkers however is thru to the post-season as a consequence of his street course wins.
Reflecting upon the identical, NASCAR Insider Danielle Trotta known as out Mark Martin and shared a passionate defence of the chase format.
“Mark you understand I really like you however what we bought is an entire lot higher than what we used to do. We want a playoff we’d like eliminations we have to reward profitable and consistency. This format does all of it & is extremely entertaining!,” Trotta wrote by way of X.
Martin did not budge in his response.
“NO WE DONT,” he replied
Beforehand, Mark Martin defined how NASCAR’s $7.7 billion media rights deal forces them to boost race proceedings to draw viewers. Forward of the 2026 season, NASCAR has shared plans to assessment the playoff system, but it surely stays unclear what adjustments may be on the playing cards.
Mark Martin backs up his factors system stance with an X ballot
Mark Martin lately held a ballot on X to gauge fan response to the traditional factors system versus the Chase format. A majority voted in favor of the factors system, rebuking any claims that nostalgia or ‘previous individuals’ have been the one ones supporting it.
“Effectively, my ballot wasn’t as filled with as @Kenny_Wallace says previous individuals. @NASCAR goes to have to elucidate to the followers why they don’t give the bulk what they need. I’ve a broad spectrum of followers who I’m attempting to talk for,” Martin shared on X.
In a separate occasion, a fan shared how NASCAR is dropping floor with youthful followers alike.
“It’s not simply previous individuals. It’s like they’re [NASCAR] consistently attempting to win a brand new viewers with each new gimmick and race manipulation. Each gimmick that’s applied might achieve completely different followers, however they lose the identical quantity. A merciless cycle to followers and drivers.”
Mark Martin had a one-word response to the fan remark.
“Agreed”
The brand new promoter’s warning within the All-Star Race this 12 months was one such change that triggered controversy. Joey Logano was poised to win the occasion, however a late-race determination to induce a warning ruined his possibilities and undermined his 139-lap lead.
Edited by Tushhita Barua
