What’s a NASCAR fan to do when there’s no stock car racing to light up the weekend? You could probably spend more time outdoors, learn a new hobby, or maybe finally tackle that DIY project — plenty of options. Or you could flip the channel onwards to enjoy other sporting festivities. At least, that’s what NASCAR legend Mark Martin’s been doing. A few days back, “The Kid” expressed his excitement openly on his socials for that record-breaking boxing bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. But that’s not all. Mark’s also been all-in on the NCAA Division I college football season.

Hailing from Batesville, Arkansas, it’s no surprise he’s got a soft spot for the Razorbacks, who just took a tough 20-10 loss to the Texas Longhorns at home. However, you best believe Martin’s love for the game goes beyond his home team. And the 65-year-old proved that recently by retweeting an emotional highlight of Colorado Buffaloes’ superstar and Heisman Trophy hopeful Travis Hunter.

From stock cars to college stars: Mark Martin’s take on Travis Hunter’s class

While the Razorbacks will end their season consoled by a Bowl game, and a mid-tier placing in the SEC standings, the resurgent Buffs look potentially poised for a shot at the Big-12 conference title in a few weeks. And although Coach Deion Sanders has been an amazing leader for Colorado this season, the rise of players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and two-way star Travis Hunter has been equally integral. On November 16th, they beat the Utah Utes 49-24 at home.

Sanders completed 30 of 41 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns against the Utes. But the big story on Saturday was Hunter, who did something nobody had done since Champ Bailey in 1999. He registered 50 receiving yards, a rushing touchdown, and an interception, all in the same game. With performances like that, a Heisman trophy doesn’t look too far to be a distant reality. Hunter’s already earned consensus All-American honors and won the prestigious Paul Hornung Award as a Junior. But from the looks of things, the 21-year-old, majoring in psychology at CU Boulder, has a heart of gold that comes with all his athletic talent.

In a recent video initially shared by the official Colorado Buffaloes Twitter handle, Hunter was moving toward the locker rooms at Folsom Field when a fan in a wheelchair caught his keen eye on the side. The young Buffs supporter wanted Hunter to autograph his jersey, and he got his wish, coupled with a pair of wristbands worn by the guy himself. This touching moment received plenty of likes and comments on Twitter. But arguably, the most important mention of them all came from the one and only, Mark Martin, who reposted the video with an empowering 5-word caption that read, “We need more of this…” 

 

The 40-time NASCAR Cup Race winner, who’s earned his acclaim in the eyes of long-time fans as “the best driver to never win a championship,” is no stranger to such positive fan interactions. On the track, most know Martin as one of the cleanest racers to get inside a stock car. Off it, he’s still a fan favorite, almost a decade since his retirement from full-time NASCAR racing. For over three decades, Martin has been ‘giving back to fans,’ be it in real life or on social media, where the icon has built quite a following for himself, interacting with his followers whenever he gets the chance.

The comments that poured in on Martin’s repost are a prime example of the heartfelt connection he’s built with his fans over the years in the vibrant world of spectator sports festivities.

A social media touchdown meets the checkered flag

One passionate Mark Martin fan emphasized the sentiments right out of the gate when they wrote, “Amen! You were always a wonderful example. I remember driving from Kentucky to Arkansas to your dealership years ago when you did a meet and greet with fans. You were so nice to us all. My daughter was so excited because you answered a question she asked. Thank you!” For everything he’s done, Martin still finds time for his fans and is not one to turn away an admirer. Even today, he remains one of the most relatable NASCAR drivers, past or present, and his humility hasn’t wavered one bit, even after retirement.

Another X user commented, “Thank you for being one of them, Mark!” Indeed, he still is ‘ one of the good guys’ in NASCAR, although another diehard recalled being “scared sh—less the first time I got an autograph & picture with @markmartin.” After all, it’s not every day one can meet their favorite sporting icon. And there aren’t many feelings more endearing than when a NASCAR driver or an NFL player goes beyond their professional commitments to hand that eager fan a moment they’d remember for the rest of their lives. In the words of this fan, “I love it too when a race winner gets his 🏁, finds a young fan wearing the driver’s tee & gives it to the kid.”

Regardless, this only goes to show that “@TravisHunterJr is a class act,” and maybe the “Best player in CFB.” However, his actions prove exactly why “More athletes need to be like him,” in the grander scheme. And with that attitude, he sure has a bright future ahead of him when that NFL team comes calling for his name in the future,