Mark Martin: Mark of Excellence
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Mark Martin may be one of NASCAR's most diminutive drivers but he has always been big for his size--big ambitions, big heart, and big determination. Born January 9, 1959, Martin grew up in rural Arkansas where he inherited his father Julian's affection for speed and daredevil driving, and by age 15 he was a formidable contender on the tough little bullrings around the area. Competing against an established cadre of crusty old veterans, the leather-tough little racer quickly earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. He fought--sometimes literally--and he not only held his own, more than often he won. Martin piled up victories and captured championships in some of the sport's lower and mid-level divisions, including four American Speed Association (ASA) championships. Higher up the ladder he won four IROC crowns and collected more Busch Series wins (45) than any other driver in the history of NASCAR's second-tier division. But Martin's aim was always higher, on the big target: NASCAR's Winston Cup Series, the major league of stock car racing. This book follows Mark's storied career from Batesville to NASCAR's big leagues.
From the Inside Flap
Through the years he has overcome injury, adversity, and career setbacks that very well could have defeated other drivers. But as one of NASCAR's toughest and most tenacious racers, Mark Martin has always bounced back and forged ahead in spite of the circumstances, making him a fan favorite.
Mark of Excellence looks at the life of this racing superstar, who seemingly becomes more determined as he faces bigger and bigger hurdles. His late father Julian, a man he idolized, passed that toughness and tenacity on to his son, providing some of Mark Martin's earliest and fondest memories. Bouncing over the winding backroads around the family's home in Batesville, Arkansas, while perched on his father's lap, young Mark would steer the car as the motor raced, gravel flew, and his father roared with laughter and stomped the accelerator. Flush with excitement, a racer was born.
Mark Martin enjoyed a few early racing successes, but soon encountered a variety of career setbacks that led to problems in his personal life. It's no surprise, however, that he overcame all of those obstacles, both on the track and off, and along the way managed to meet the two people who would end up being the biggest influences in his life-his wife, Arlene, and his team owner, Jack Roush.
Even after establishing himself as one of NASCAR's greatest drivers, Mark Martin still experienced disappointments, like finishing second a frustrating four times in his bid for a NASCAR Winston Cup championship, including one that came after a controversial points penalty. He refuses to look back on those times with regret or bitterness, though, preferring to appreciate what he has gained rather than dwell on what he has lost.
Mark of Excellence presents a saga that is not merely a story of triumph on the track, but also a triumph of the spirit. People who say there are no more heroes in the sports world have not met Mark Martin, a diminutive man whose storied career has been highlighted by big ambitions, big heart, and big determination.
Mark Martin: Mark of Excellence
Mark Martin: Mark of Excellence,Larry Woody,Sports Publishing,1582617597,Biography / Autobiography,Motor Sports,Sports,Sports & Recreation,Sports - General
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