Seven victories, six seconds and 22 total top fives last year -- and it still wasn't enough to beat Jeff Gordon. That might crush the spirit of another competitor, but there is nobody tougher than Martin. His team was virtually all new last year, and Martin admits it took him a few races to gain total confidence in them. He's got it now.
Career
Martin is the second-winningest driver in NASCAR Busch Series history with 26 wins, and has been the most successful driver on NASCAR Busch Series in recent years with 20 wins over past five seasons.
Failed to visit Victory Lane in 1996 Winston Cup series, the first year Martin has not won a race in eight seasons. But an amazing string of 15 straight top-10 showings to finish the 1996 season secured his fifth place finish in the points standings with 4,278 points and more than $1.5 million in prize money. He put together 14 top-5s, 23 top-10s and four Busch Pole Awards in 31 starts.
First full season on the circuit came in 1988. In the 1989 AC Delco 500 at Rockingham he won his first race, after 112 starts and six second-place finishes.
In 1990 he was second to Dale Earnhardt in the season championship chase by a mere 26 points. He has won $1 million or more now for eight consecutive years. Voted NMPA Driver of the Year in 1989. He showed his versitility in 1995 with wins on a superspeedway (Talladega), road course (Watkins Glen), short track (North Wilkesboro), and intermediate track (Charlotte). With his 22 top-10 finishes he landed 4th in the final standings.
In 1997, he went to final race in three-way championship race with Jeff
Gordon and Dale Jarrett, wound up 29 points back in third in closest
three-way finish ever. Won four times after failing to get a victory in
'96, and also earned a third career International Race of Champions crown.
Four-time ASA champion. Started Winston Cup in 1981, running five races (won
two poles that season). Finished second to Geoff Bodine for 1982 Winston Cup
Rookie of the Year. Drove Winston Cup only occasionally between 1983 and '87.
Came back for full season in 1988, posting one runner-up finish.
First win came in 113th start, 1989 AC Delco 500 at Rockingham after six
second-place finishes. First pole came in third attempt, Busch Nashville 420 in
July of '81. His career winnings rank sixth overall.
Devoted body builder who watches his diet and stays on health kick.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
