NASCAR is treading on thin ice with its controversial playoff structure, and Mark Martin knows it better than most. For over a decade, the stock car racing giant has received a lot of flak for its playoff format, with veterans and racing enthusiasts demanding meaningful revisions.
While the sanctioning body has formed a committee to review potential amendments, Martin, a true pioneer of the sport, unleashed a scathing rant, blasting the current direction the sport is heading.
‘Dumb S**t’: Mark Martin Torches NASCAR Over Playoff Debacle
Beyond broadcast practices and on-track quality, NASCAR fans’ biggest gripe has long been its championship format. While a regular-season title is still recognized, the playoff crown ultimately defines a season and remains the sport’s most coveted prize.
When Brian France took over NASCAR in 2003, his vision was clear and precise: elevate the sport to rival the NFL’s popularity and turn a declining stock car series into a mainstream American icon. In that spirit, the Daytona 500 was branded as NASCAR’s “Super Bowl,” paving the way for sweeping format changes.
However, over time, the sport slowly drifted away from its racing roots to pursue ambitious expansion, adhering to a playoff-style format inspired by competitors. Today, many traditional fans are returning the favor, dismissing the format changes as gimmicks driven by multibillion-dollar TV networks. This includes Martin, an icon in the sport.
Recently, during an online discourse, the 66-year-old blasted the organization. Replying to an ardent fan, Martin wrote, “Been asking the same question for years. Also, how do you have overtime when races are distance? Dumb s**t the broadcasters came up with that didn’t know anything about racing cars, trying to make it like stick and ball sports. Their money is forcing it on the industry.”
Been asking the same question for years.
Also how do you have overtime when races are distance?
Dumb shit the broadcasters came up with that didn’t know anything about racing cars trying to make it like stick and ball sports. Their money is forcing it on the industry. https://t.co/PbCbMKg9ND
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) August 24, 2025
Like Martin, veterans of the sport like Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott have been calling for positive changes to the format. Last month, during another X discussion, Martin clarified things.
The former Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) legend slammed TV networks for pushing a playoff format since it directly affects their viewership. Martin noted, “I think they prefer it because they don’t know or understand Car Racing. Only stick and ball sports. They want it to be like what they know. Only problem is they don’t understand why there 36 teams play in our championship game instead of two like they are used to.”
In a nutshell, Martin’s critique is another reminder that NASCAR’s push for entertainment and popularity shouldn’t come at the cost of racing.