Innovation is the enemy of sound judgment, at least that’s what NASCAR has been proving of late. Despite countless warnings against catastrophic outcomes, all seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Nothing proves this more than Denny Hamlin & Dale Jr.’s outcry against NASCAR’s blatant short-track denial.

Constant failures to ace its ‘aero-package’ then beg the question—has NASCAR lost its touch, or is it plain simple ignorance? It seems Mark Martin has the answer.

Is NASCAR really hellbent on digging its gr*ve?

NASCAR’s grassroots stems from short-track. North Wilkesboro, Bristol, or even Tony Stewart-owned Eldora, NASCAR has lived and thrived owing to success at this iconic oval. But where did it all go wrong? Let’s find out.

Apart from its long list of controversies, the Next-Gen aero package emerged as the biggest roadblock for drivers on ‘bread & butter’ tracks. With redesigned spoilers, tweaked underbodies, and diffusers, NASCAR had a long list of changes lined up for the 2024 Cup season. Flaunting their imminent success, NASCAR’s VP of vehicle performance claimed ‘improved traffic performance,’ raising the racing community’s expectations.

These expectations, however, were short-lived. NASCAR’s aero plague that forced Tony Stewart into retirement returned with the Next-Gen, only this time it was much, much worse. Seasoned drivers like Kyle Busch & Denny Hamlin voiced their concerns, nudging the agenda of increased horsepower but to no avail. Left irked by NASCAR’s tarnished short-track reputation, Mark Martin had some choice words to spare. Posting a picture from the sport’s golden yet forgotten era on X, Mark Martin wrote, “1979 Back when they said aero didn’t matter on short tracks”.

Further backing Denny Hamlin & Dale Jr.’s short track demands, Martin unleashed a sly dig at NASCAR, writing, “I didn’t believe them.” 

What stands out about Mark Martin’s post is the timeline of the 65-year-old veteran’s outburst. His comments come mere days after NASCAR’s COO Steve O’Donnell’s cryptic hint at the Gen-8 car. With the off-season in full swing, is Mark Martin hinting at NASCAR to pull up their socks, or does he know something we don’t? Only time will tell.

Are Mark Martin’s comments justified, or was it an overreaction? Let us know in the comments below.