Mark Martin, the NASCAR legend, is reuniting with his former partner Jack Roush, joining Roush Fenway Racing as a driver development coach.

Mark Martin Returns To Roush Fenway Racing

Martin and Roush Fenway Racing announced the news on Thursday, July 31 through various social media outlets and media interviews.

In 1988, Martin became the first driver signed to Roush’s NASCAR operation, and the two parted ways 19 years later. Martin says he wasn’t looking for a NASCAR job, but when Roush approached him with the idea of mentoring young drivers, on his own schedule, Martin jumped at the idea.

“Nobody does a better job at developing young talent than Jack Roush. Roush Fenway has an abundance of young talented drivers and I’m looking forward to working with each of them going forward. I am very proud of what Jack and I were able to accomplish together and I am excited to expand on those accomplishments,” Martin said in the official press release.

Mark Martin To Act As Driver Development Coach

Martin has over 90 NASCAR victories under his belt and won 35 Cup races while racing with Roush Fenway Racing. Martin says he has enjoyed working with the new talent on the team, and enjoys working with young drivers.

“I’ve made myself available to the drivers and I participate in the competition meetings. It’s been very fulfilling to me. It’s always fun when you can use some experience to help someone else coming up. I don’t know that there’s any more gratifying feeling than that for me, and I’ve always felt that way,” Martin told USA Today.

It seems that the sentiment is mutual; the Roush Fenway Racing line-up welcomed their new mentor with open arms.

Despite his return to NASCAR, Martin says fans shouldn’t expect to see him at races, nor should they expect to see him behind the wheel any time soon.

“People are getting all revved up: ‘Oh, you need to drive, you need to get in the race car.’ I don’t want to get in the car. I’ve done enough of that,” Martin said.

Leave a comment

Read more about: