Mark Martin Slams NASCAR Broadcast for Overemphasis on Playoffs
Legendary driver voices frustration during Xfinity Series race
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series battled at Iowa Speedway, racing icon Mark Martin took to social media to voice his strong opinions on the broadcast’s focus, advocating for a return to season-long championship formats.
Broadcaster’s Playoff Fixation Irks Martin
Watching the race on The CW, Martin expressed his dismay with the constant discussion of playoff implications. He believes the broadcast should prioritize covering the actual on-track action more thoroughly.
Every other sentence on today’s broadcast has been Playoff and championship. Damn cover the race a little bit. We are watching a race too.
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) August 2, 2025
A Champion’s Plea for Traditional Format
Martin, who enjoyed immense success in the Xfinity Series, formerly known as the Busch Series, with 49 wins, is a vocal proponent of a season-long points system. He believes this approach better reflects a driver’s consistency and dedication throughout the entire year.
The NASCAR Hall of Famer’s career spanned from 1982 to 2012 in the Xfinity Series, showcasing remarkable longevity. His extensive experience also includes being a five-time runner-up in the Cup Series championship, giving him significant insight into the sport’s evolution.
Committee Convenes to Discuss Championship Formats
NASCAR has established a committee, including current and former drivers, media personalities, and industry insiders, to explore potential adjustments to the championship format. Jeff Gluck of *The Athletic* is part of this group, which has met twice to discuss various proposals.
“The reason they asked Mark Martin to be on the committee in the first place is because they knew that he is in favor of full season points. … So, I got to be on the committee.”
—Jeff Gluck, Journalist
Despite Martin‘s advocacy, his push for a season-long points format faces challenges, particularly with input from broadcast partners like NBC. In 2023, Xfinity Series drivers combined for an average of 10.2 wins per driver, highlighting the competitive depth under the current playoff system (NASCAR.com).
