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Talladega Today
By the People, for the People
NASCAR Legend Mark Martin Criticizes Team Owners Over Lack of Practice Sessions
Martin says owners don't want to spend money on extra practice, putting younger drivers at a disadvantage.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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NASCAR icon Mark Martin has raised concerns that team owners' decisions to limit practice sessions are impacting competition and safety on the track. Martin claims the owners' group, the Race Team Alliance (RTA), doesn't want to spend the extra money required for more practice, leaving younger drivers without the necessary experience and putting them at a disadvantage. This comes as NASCAR has seen an increase in crashes and wrecks, with some calling for inexperienced drivers to be barred from certain events. Martin and others argue that more practice time is the solution, but the team owners appear unwilling to make that investment.
Why it matters
The lack of practice sessions is seen as a key factor in the recent rise of crashes and wrecks in NASCAR, as younger and less experienced drivers struggle to adapt to the high speeds and split-second realities of stock car racing. This raises concerns about safety and fair competition, as some drivers may be at a significant disadvantage without adequate preparation time.
The details
NASCAR icon Mark Martin has spoken out against team owners, claiming their unwillingness to fund additional practice sessions is hurting competition and safety in the sport. Martin says the owners' group, the RTA, doesn't want to spend the extra money required for more practice time, leaving younger drivers without the necessary experience to handle the high-speed conditions. This comes as NASCAR has seen an increase in crashes and wrecks, with some calling for inexperienced drivers to be barred from certain events. Martin and others argue that more practice is the solution, but the team owners appear unwilling to make that investment.
- Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500, the last practice session of the year for superspeedways was held.
- In the 2025 season, driver Katherine Legge faced criticism for causing wrecks due to her lack of experience.
The players
Mark Martin
A NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer who has raised concerns about the lack of practice sessions and its impact on competition and safety.
Race Team Alliance (RTA)
The group of NASCAR team owners that Martin says is unwilling to fund additional practice sessions, citing the extra costs involved.
Katherine Legge
A NASCAR driver who faced criticism in the 2025 season for causing wrecks due to her lack of experience.
What they’re saying
“The owners group RTA doesn't want it. They think it costs them too much money.”
— Mark Martin, NASCAR Legend (profootballnetwork.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
