November 02, 2007 - Fort Worth , TX, USA: Mark Martin waits to qualify at Texas Motor Speedway for the running of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Dickies 500 in Fort Worth, TX.
November 02, 2007 - Fort Worth , TX, USA: Mark Martin waits to qualify at Texas Motor Speedway for the running of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Dickies 500 in Fort Worth, TX.
Mar 7, 2026, 9:13 PM CUT
Mark Martin Announces Racing Return Days After Rejecting NASCAR Seat
Mark Martin hung up his boots nearly 13 years ago, and ever since, he has been vocal about all things NASCAR. However, the latest announcement from the Hertigae Invitation is exciting for those who have never seen him drive.
That's because the 40-time Cup Series Race winner will take the wheel once again in the Heritage Invitational at Ten Tenths Motor Club, which will be held from April 9-11, 2026.
Martin will be joined by fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte, along with dirt and asphalt racing legend Ken Schrader, Kurt Busch, Tommy Kendall, Max Papis, and Scott Pruett.
While Mark Martin is known as one of the best drivers who never won the Cup Series, his IROC record is legendary. He won the championship five times and also secured thirteen race wins.
The IROC ran from 1973 to 2006 and went on hiatus due to a lack of sponsors. Then, in 2024, Ray Evernham and Rob Kauffman founded IROC Holdings LLC and announced they had acquired the rights to the iconic nametag.
When Mark Martin Rejected Speculations With A Blunt Two-Word Response
The announcement of Martin’s return to the IROC comes across as intriguing, especially when you consider his response to a fan on X.
The user mentioned Tony Stewart’s one-off comeback at the Daytona 500 in the Truck Series, and whether he would feel inclined to do the same, to which his response was a plain and simple: “Hell No.”
Interestingly, Martin has also been named as the honorary pace car driver for the Goodyear 400 at the Darlington Raceway, where he holds yet another impressive record. With 12 wins at Darlington, he is tied with Dale Earnhardt Sr. for the most wins.
People remember Martin for always punching above his weight in the Cup Series. With identical stock cars prepared by a single team of engineers, the IROC became a test of pure driving talent, and that is where Martin clearly shone.
So are you excited to see the veteran behind the wheel once again from April 9 to 11? Tell us in the comments.
Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!
Written by
Aaradhya Singh
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi