“That’s so dumb”: Mark Martin gets brutally honest about NASCAR’s direction and TV-driven playoff format 

Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Mark Martin was recently featured in an interview with the RACER Channel on YouTube. During the interaction, Martin shared his take on the governing body's TV-driver playoff format.

In November 2025, NASCAR announced the official broadcasting networks for the 2026 season. Mainstream networks like FOX, Prime Video, TNT Sports, USA Network, NBC, and Peacock will cover the next season. However, neither fans nor Martin were excited about the decision.

During the conversation, Mark Martin pointed out that NASCAR sold the rights for more than what "they are worth." He further claimed that now the governing body has to deliver more than is possible. Martin emphasized that the sanctioning body did that just to attract a newer generation to the sport, neglecting the current audience.

The former Cup Series driver told the host [28:24 onward]:

"So what they have done is alienated a lot of the core fans not all of them, but a lot to try to get new fans, because they think the older fans are going to die one day, which is dumb. That’s so dumb, because those are the people who watch the pre-race show, the race, and the post-race show."

Continuing further, Martin took a jab at the playoff format and stated:

"The people they’re trying to get to watch these playoffs which, you know, there ain’t nobody playing out there it’s not really a playoff. They should call it a race-off or whatever, but don’t call it a playoff. It’s not a playoff."

However, the stock car racing association has been planning to change the current playoff format after being scrutinized by the fans. Recently, NASCAR insider Kelly Crandall shared her prediction that the governing body might announce the new format this month.

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“It was never about me”: Mark Martin opened up about the reason behind opposing NASCAR's playoff format

Former stock car racing driver Mark Martin appeared on the Kenny Wallace show in November 2025. During a conversation with Wallace, Martin revealed the reason behind standing against the governing body.

In the clip, the 66-year-old pointed out that his criticism was not personal. He also reflected the fans' frustration over the format, and the 2024 season was just a catalyst for him. Martin also highlighted that he spent time with fans on and off the track before making the claims.

Mark Martin further explained:

"Well, you know, I just listened to the fans. Basically, it was not about me. It was never about me. If it was my feelings. I would have never voiced them so loudly, interesting, but I the fans needed a voice. I heard them. I was with them. I was out in the field with them. I was at racetracks. I read the social media and the comments, and I just felt like that. I could be their voice."

The current playoff format features three elimination rounds followed by a one-race championship decider event. Each round comprises three races and eliminates the four lowest-scoring drivers from contention. Only four drivers remain to compete in the final race, and the champion is crowned amongst them.

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Edited by Karan Yadav