NASCAR fans are fed up with the Gen-7 “Next Gen” car, and Hall of Famer Mark Martin has become their loudest voice. With frustration growing over how NASCAR Cup Series races look and feel, Martin’s blunt social media posts and bold take on NASCAR leadership have fans rallying behind him.
Mark Martin Won’t Accept Anything Less Than Complete Control
The Next Gen car was supposed to make racing fairer by making parts standard and cutting costs. While newer teams like Trackhouse Racing and 23XI Racing can now compete with the big boys, the car has created plenty of new problems. Martin and other critics say the car’s increased downforce and aero package have changed racing too much, making it less about driver skill and more about engineering and track position.
“I’m waiting for the call. However I WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER IF I DID NOT HAVE The FINAL SAY. And that’s not going to happen,” Martin fired off on social media, catching fire with fans right away.
“In 1990 my car made 0 front downforce. No downforce, no lift. It made around 275 pounds of rear downforce. It was similar to our completions numbers and we could run in the top 5 every week… I just don’t understand why we were allowed to ever get away from those numbers,” he said in March 2024, clearly annoyed about the whole thing.
The clamor for Martin’s leadership isn’t just nostalgia. Fans see him as a voice of reason and authenticity in a sport increasingly dominated by business interests and convoluted rulebooks. Martin’s decades of experience as a driver and outspoken nature have positioned him as a potential reformer who could restore what many feel has been lost in the Gen-7 era.
“No, of course I’m not going to get the call, that’s why I said it. I was being a smart a**. And I wouldn’t accept the job if I had to work with the committee, which isn’t gonna happen either. I would only take the job if I had a hundred percent say, and that’s not gonna happen,” he admitted bluntly.
Martin has also taken shots at how the Next Gen cars look, complaining about the number placement and sponsor designs, starting heated debates among fans about NASCAR’s identity.
Despite all the support from fans, Martin made it pretty clear he’s not interested in taking charge unless he gets to call all the shots. He’s happy enjoying retirement, traveling around, and speaking his mind without having to deal with NASCAR politics and red tape.
Martin’s ultimatum has put a spotlight on what so many fans are feeling. While he probably won’t be taking over NASCAR anytime soon, his willingness to speak up has made him the unofficial voice for fans who just want NASCAR to get back to its roots.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
