Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Mark Martin has always been known for his no-nonsense attitude. With a career spanning 31 years, he’s earned his place as one of NASCAR’s most respected voices. With more than 90 wins across all three divisions of NASCAR, he often came close to championships but failed to clinch it. However, recently Martin spoke about the bad boy era of NASCAR and advocated for the same.

Martin expressed concern over drivers’ increasing reluctance to speak their minds. He feels that sport needs ‘bad boys’ to keep itself alive.

Mark Martin calls for Tony Stewart’s bad boys era

In a candid interview with Chase Holden, Martin slammed the drivers for feeling the ‘corporate pressure.’ “I know you see it; the drivers have pretty much gone silent. I mean, even, you know, they don’t, you know, they don’t say much on social media anymore. It seems to me like NASCAR Media or PR does. You know, you can tell those posts that they post on their stuff. They’re advertising when the race is, whatever. But, you know, I don’t know exactly why,” Martin told Holden.

These claims align with Martin’s concerns about the corporate influence of muting driver personalities. However, Martin not only pointed out the issue but also suggested a solution. He specifically mentioned Tony Stewart as an example of what the sport lacks today. Stewart’s willingness to speak his mind, regardless of the consequences, made him a fan favorite. Martin argued that NASCAR needs a generational talent with a similar approach to reignite passion among fans. “We need Tony Stewart. Tony Stewart did not give a damn. He was so good they could not crush him. It would have crushed me… But we need a guy that is so talented, a guy on the level of Kyle Larson, which is not Kyle’s style, but we need a guy with that level, generational talent to come in and just be real, you know,” Martin added.

Known as one of NASCAR’s biggest bad boys, Stewart left an indelible mark with his unfiltered approach. Stewart never held back, from spinning Jeff Gordon out on the pit road to blasting him in the media. Stewart didn’t limit his confrontational style to rival drivers, as he often tangled with the media. An infamous incident dates to 2001 when he knocked a tape recorder out of a reporter’s hand. A year later, he roughed up a photographer.

His rebellious streak extended to the international stage in 2023 when he struck a dirt track co-owner in Australia during an argument over safety precautions. This unpredictable nature made Stewart polarizing, but also electrifying. Fans either loved or loathed him, but they couldn’t ignore him. As Stewart matured, his on-track dustups lessened, but his reputation as a bold and fearless competitor remained intact. His ability to speak his mind without worrying about consequences set him apart. For many fans, Stewart represented the raw, untamed spirit of NASCAR. However, in recent years, there have been discussions about the silent approach of drivers.

Stewart’s career serves as the blueprint for this unfiltered authenticity. His fiery demeanor often landed him in hot water, but it also made him relatable. Whether he was clashing with rivals or challenging officials, Stewart embodied the rebel spirit fans admired. However, recent comments from ex-NASCAR drivers raise questions about sports’ authenticity.

Mayfield leveled similar accusations against NASCAR

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Martin is not the only ex-NASCAR star to bring this point up. In 2024, former Cup Series driver Jeremy Mayfield alleged that NASCAR might compensate drivers to maintain a positive public image. According to Mayfield, marketing insiders suggested that drivers are rewarded for promoting the sport on social media.

Speaking with Chase Holden, he said, “And if you just listen to the way they talk and everyone everywhere, you know, the stuff they say and they’re doing, they’re doing all they know how to do because they’ve got show code. From the top… NASCAR’s going to start paying the drivers, I guess, to say good things about the sport. Some kind of marketing deal to reward drivers for doing great things on social media. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m right about that.”

Now, Mayfield’s allegations should be taken with a pinch of salt. He allegedly failed a drug test, causing him to be suspended from NASCAR. Following the event, he has been a vocal advocate against NASCAR, such as this instance of accusing them of paying drivers to speak positively.

Do you also think that NASCAR’s corporate culture suppresses individuality?