NASCAR Legend Mark Martin to Serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver for Goodyear 400

The NASCAR Hall of Famer will lead the field before the green flag at the historic Darlington Raceway.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The NASCAR Cup Series will return to Darlington Raceway later this month for the Goodyear 400. Former driver Mark Martin, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the race. Martin recorded 12 victories at Darlington across several series, tying him with Dale Earnhardt for the most wins at the South Carolina oval.

Why it matters

Darlington Raceway is one of the most historic tracks in NASCAR, known for its narrow racing groove and difficult layout. Martin's success at the track helped shape his legacy as one of the most respected and consistent drivers in the sport's history.

The details

Martin competed in NASCAR for more than three decades, recording 96 wins across the top divisions including 40 victories in the Cup Series. His Darlington record includes two Southern 500 wins in the Cup Series, as well as eight victories in what is now the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Darlington Raceway president Josh Harris praised Martin's 'grit, determination, and excellence' that defined the track.

  • The Goodyear 400 will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will run the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 on Friday, March 20.
  • The NASCAR Xfinity Series will compete on Saturday, March 21 in the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200.

The players

Mark Martin

A NASCAR Hall of Famer who recorded 12 victories at Darlington Raceway across several series, tying him with Dale Earnhardt for the most wins at the historic South Carolina oval.

Darlington Raceway

One of the most historic tracks in NASCAR, known for its narrow racing groove and difficult layout, often referred to as the 'Track Too Tough to Tame'.

Josh Harris

The president of Darlington Raceway, who praised Martin's 'grit, determination, and excellence' that defined the track.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Josh Harris, Darlington Raceway president (heavy.com)

“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.”

— Mark Martin (heavy.com)

What’s next

Fans will have additional chances to see Martin during race weekend, as he will join other NASCAR alumni for appearances in the Darlington Raceway Fan Zone.

The takeaway

Mark Martin's return to Darlington Raceway as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 will connect today's NASCAR drivers with one of the sport's most respected and successful veterans, whose legacy was shaped by his incredible record of 12 wins at the historic 'Track Too Tough to Tame'.