Mark Martin's a Class Act
I read earlier this week that Mark Martin and Aric Almirola were going to share seat time in the 8 next season, and frankly, I was relieved. Iwas actually pleased at the choice that had been made of the future driver of the 8.
I had been concerned earier when it was announced that Junior would not be able to take the number with him to HMS. I had thoughts that Teresa was keeping the number just to spite Junior, to pull a fast one later by putting some clown in it purely out of meanness. But, then the decision was announced as to who would take over the 8, and it really put me at ease.
We all know Mark Martin and the kind of driver and person he is both on and off the track. A clean driver, not one to be a part of a lot of the shenanigans that go on quite often, but still a fierce competitor (without resorting to dirty tricks) In short, an old school racer with immense talent and a great down-home personality.
But, for me, the icing on the cake was what Mark did once that decision had been made and prior to agreeing to it. He actually went to someone OUTSIDE DEI to consult with him about the matter. He went to none other than one of Dale’s closest friends and Dale’s boss through 6 of his 7 championships, Richard Childress. He asked Richard Childress what did HE think DALE would think about him driving the 8. Not until Mr. Childress had told him that HE thought Dale would agree that he was the right man for the job did Mark agree to it.
This, in my opinion is the type of person Dale would want driving that car. Mark Martin, in my book, you are a class act. Other drivers would have said “neener neener neener, Junior! I’m drivin yer car next year!” But not Mark Martin. He did the next best thing to asking Dale’s permission to drive that car. And, to me, that shows EXACTLY the type of man Mark Martin really is. My hat’s off to him, and I wish him and young Mr. Almirola all the luck in the world for next year!
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