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FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 26: NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin poses for photos on the red carpet the NASCAR Cup Series Pala Casino 400 at Auto Club Speedway on February 26, 2023 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
The NASCAR Cup Series will return to Darlington Raceway later this month for the Goodyear 400. The race will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Darlington remains one of the most historic tracks in NASCAR. Drivers often call it the “Track Too Tough to Tame” because of its narrow racing groove and difficult layout.
According to the report, former driver Mark Martin will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the race. The NASCAR Hall of Famer will lead the field before the green flag. The role returns Martin to the track where he built one of the strongest records in NASCAR history.
Martin recorded 12 victories at Darlington across several series. That total ties him with Dale Earnhardt for the most wins at the South Carolina oval. The honor also connects today’s drivers with one of the sport’s most respected veterans.
Mark Martin Built a Hall of Fame NASCAR Career
Martin competed in NASCAR for more than three decades. His career produced success across all three national touring series.
He finished his career with 96 wins across NASCAR’s top divisions. That total includes 40 victories in the Cup Series. Martin also earned 49 wins in what is now the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He added seven victories in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
Many drivers respected Martin for his precision and steady performance. His consistent results made him one of the most reliable drivers of his era.
Although he never won a Cup Series championship, Martin remained a title contender in several seasons. His career still ranks among the most successful in the sport.
Darlington’s Success Shaped Martin’s Legacy
Darlington Raceway played a major role in Martin’s success. He earned 12 wins at the track across different racing series.
His Darlington record includes two Southern 500 victories in the Cup Series. Martin also captured two wins at the track in the International Race of Champions.
He recorded eight victories in what is now the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Darlington. That total ranks among the strongest records at the track.
Darlington Raceway president Josh Harris spoke about Martin’s history at the venue.
“Mark Martin’s incredible success at Darlington Raceway is a byproduct of the hard work and talent he combined to make him a fan favorite. He still represents the grit, determination, and excellence that define Darlington Raceway, and we’re honored to have him lead the field to green for the Goodyear 400.”
The Honorary Pace Car Driver role will place Martin in front of the Cup Series field before the start of the race. The moment will connect today’s drivers with one of the sport’s historic figures.
Martin Looks Forward to Returning to Darlington
Martin also shared his thoughts about returning to the track. He reflected on the challenges of racing at Darlington.
“Darlington has always been one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks I’ve ever raced. To come back and serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 is truly special. The fans here appreciate the history of this sport, and I’m looking forward to seeing so many familiar faces.”
Fans will have additional chances to see Martin during race weekend. He will join other NASCAR alumni for appearances in the Darlington Raceway Fan Zone.
The race weekend will begin Friday, March 20. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will run the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 that day.
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will compete on Saturday, March 21. That race is the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200.
The Goodyear 400 will take place on Sunday, March 22. The NASCAR Cup Series field will compete at Darlington for a chance to join the track’s list of winners. Martin will lead the field before the race begins.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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