His first year with Team Sabco wasn't a disaster -- he moved up from 31st in points after eight races to finish 13th. But there wasn't anything noteworthy about his season, either. After winning six times in the three previous years, Marlin has gone two straight seasons without a win. A win would do wonders for this driver and this team.
Career
At the UAW/GM Quality 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October 1996. He struggled in qualifying, starting 33rd, but weaved his way through the field to finish fourth.
Only the third driver in NASCAR Winston Cup Series history to win back-to-back Daytona 500s, joining Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough. He won the 1994 and 1995 Daytona 500's. The first win came after he posted nine runner-up finishes. Career-best third in 1995 Winston Cup standings, previous best was seventh in 1991.
He lead the 1995 point standings as late in the season as July, until Jeff Gordon took the lead for good with a win at Loudon, N.H.
Son of former Winston Cup star Coo Coo Marlin. Tennessee short-track and ARCA driver. 1980-81-82 Nashville Raceway champion. Made Winston Cup debut in 1976, replacing his dad after a crash broke Coo Coo's shoulder. In 1983 he was the series' Rookie of the Year. He also won the Winston Open in 1988, '89 and '93.
Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 1983. Five pole positions in 1992. Won Winston Open in 1988,' 89 and '93. First pole came in 205th attempt, 1991 Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
Marlin surpassed the $1 million mark in 1994 with $1,127,683 in winnings, finishing 14th in Winston Cup standings.
Marlin was football standout at Columbia High School. Played in four bowl games and was team captain as a senior while playing quarterback and linebacker. Also played high school basketball. When he's not racing, he's collecting Civil War artifacts around the South.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
