Mark Martin, one of NASCAR’s most respected and legendary drivers, has made headlines again—but this time, not for his driving. In a recent public statement, Martin expressed deep frustration with the current state of NASCAR. His criticism struck a nerve with long-time fans, and now many of them are joining his call to bring back the old days—specifically, the Winston Cup era.
Martin’s comment came during a social media exchange, where he didn’t hold back. He said today’s NASCAR “doesn’t even look like racing anymore” and added that “the heart and soul of the sport is gone.” This statement hit hard, especially among fans who’ve been following the sport for decades. They immediately echoed his thoughts, with many saying they’ve felt this way for years but didn’t think a legend like Martin would ever say it out loud.
The Winston Cup era, which ran from 1971 to 2003, is remembered by fans as NASCAR’s golden age. It was a time when racing was raw, rivalries were real, and the cars felt more connected to the fans. Drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Richard Petty ruled the track, and the races were unpredictable and thrilling. For many fans, those were the years that defined what NASCAR was supposed to be.
In contrast, today’s NASCAR has made several changes that many fans feel have taken away from the spirit of the sport. From the playoff-style format to the introduction of the Next Gen car, and even rule changes that seem to favor entertainment over competition, a large portion of the fanbase feels alienated. Martin’s comments have put all of these issues back in the spotlight.
After his post went viral, fans started sharing old clips from the Winston Cup era, posting side-by-side comparisons of races then versus now. Some even started online petitions calling for NASCAR to “return to its roots.” While many understand that times change and every sport evolves, they argue that NASCAR has drifted too far from what made it special in the first place.
Interestingly, Martin isn’t alone. Several other former drivers and insiders have hinted at similar feelings over the years, though few have spoken out as directly. Now that Martin has taken a clear stand, it seems others may start speaking up too. NASCAR itself hasn’t officially responded to Martin’s remarks, but the buzz surrounding this controversy is only growing.
This wave of backlash isn’t just limited to older fans. Even some younger fans—those who grew up hearing stories of the Winston era from parents or watching old races online—are saying they prefer the excitement and authenticity of those past years. They say today’s racing feels “scripted” and “too polished,” lacking the grit that once made it unique.
The question now is: will NASCAR listen? The sport has been trying to grow its audience, bring in younger viewers, and embrace new technology. But if the cost of doing that is losing its loyal, core fanbase, is it really worth it? That’s what fans and critics are asking, and Martin’s comments have just given that conversation a major push.
Martin has always been known for his calm, respectful demeanor, which makes his recent outburst even more powerful. He didn’t lash out for attention—he spoke from the heart. His words reflect a deep love for a sport he helped shape, and his disappointment feels personal.
As this debate unfolds, fans are making it clear that they don’t just want more racing—they want meaningful racing. They want the adrenaline of hard-fought wins, the roar of engines that sound real, and the kind of moments that made them fall in love with NASCAR in the first place. Whether NASCAR will act on this feedback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the voice of the fans, amplified by Mark Martin, is growing louder.
And in a time when many feel like sports are becoming more about business than passion, this call to return to the Winston era may just be the wake-up call NASCAR needs.
