Mark Martin Hails Dale Jr. as “The Greatest Asset” Short-Track Racing Could Ever Have

In a passionate endorsement that’s sending shockwaves through the racing world, legendary NASCAR driver Mark Martin recently lauded Dale Earnhardt Jr. as “the greatest asset short-track and late model racing could ever have.” According to Martin, Earnhardt Jr.’s tireless efforts behind the scenes in the CARS Tour are not just keeping grassroots racing alive — they are shaping the future of the sport itself.

The CARS Tour, known for its electrifying late model and super late model races, has long been a breeding ground for rising stars in American motorsports. Yet, like many grassroots racing circuits, it faces challenges: fluctuating prize money, scheduling difficulties, and the constant need to maintain fan engagement. Dale Jr., a two-time Daytona 500 winner and one of NASCAR’s most recognizable figures, has stepped into the role of executive advisor and promoter with an energy and vision that, according to Martin, is “exactly what this sport needs right now.”

“Dale Jr. understands the heartbeat of short-track racing,” Martin said during a recent interview. “He’s not just a figurehead. He’s out there, interacting with teams, negotiating schedules, boosting prize money, and making sure the fans have an experience they’ll never forget. That level of dedication? It’s rare. Short-track racing is lucky to have him.”

Martin, a Hall of Famer with decades of experience at the highest levels of NASCAR, praised Dale Jr.’s ability to bridge the gap between professional racing and grassroots circuits. “People think they know Dale Jr. from the big tracks and the national series, but what he’s doing with the CARS Tour is something else entirely,” Martin explained. “He’s bringing a professional mindset to a grassroots level, and he’s doing it in a way that respects the sport’s traditions.”

One of the most noticeable changes under Dale Jr.’s influence has been the increase in prize money for CARS Tour events. According to Martin, this is more than just a financial boost — it’s a statement that the sport values its competitors. “When drivers know they can make a living racing at these events, it changes everything,” he said. “It attracts more talent, it increases competition, and it gives the fans races they’ll talk about for years.”

In addition to boosting prize money, Dale Jr. has been instrumental in shaping the schedule of the CARS Tour. He has worked closely with track owners, sponsors, and promoters to ensure that races are not only strategically timed but also designed to maximize fan engagement. From thrilling weekend doubleheaders to special showcase events, Dale Jr.’s influence is evident in every aspect of the tour.

“The schedule is smarter now,” Martin noted. “It’s built to build excitement, maintain momentum, and make sure fans keep coming back. Dale Jr. understands that short-track racing isn’t just about what happens on the track — it’s about the overall experience. That’s what sets him apart.”

Fans have also noticed the difference. Social media has been abuzz with praise for Dale Jr.’s efforts, with drivers and teams alike expressing gratitude for the renewed focus on the grassroots scene. From up-and-coming drivers posting about improved conditions at local tracks to seasoned veterans sharing stories of competitive, high-stakes races, the excitement surrounding the CARS Tour is palpable.

“It’s like a renaissance for short-track racing,” said veteran driver Jason Myers, who has competed in the CARS Tour for over a decade. “Dale Jr. has brought credibility and attention back to these events. Sponsors are paying more attention, teams are investing more, and the fans? They’re seeing racing the way it’s supposed to be — fast, thrilling, and full of heart.”

Behind the scenes, Dale Jr. has also focused on maintaining the grassroots culture that makes short-track racing unique. Martin emphasized that this balance — modernizing the sport without losing its soul — is a delicate task. “Dale Jr. hasn’t turned these tracks into something they’re not,” Martin said. “He respects the history, the tradition, and the fans who have been there from day one. That respect is why everyone from drivers to fans is lucky to have him leading the way.”

Beyond prize money and scheduling, Dale Jr.’s approach to promotion and media presence has helped raise the profile of the CARS Tour. Through social media, livestreamed events, and personal appearances at tracks, he has brought national attention to circuits that were once largely overlooked outside their local communities. Martin explained that this visibility is critical for the sport’s long-term health.

“When you bring in new fans, you bring in new energy,” Martin said. “Dale Jr. is not just preserving short-track racing — he’s expanding it, giving it new life, and ensuring that the next generation of fans and drivers gets to experience what we all fell in love with.”

Industry insiders say Dale Jr.’s influence has already led to measurable growth. Attendance at key CARS Tour events has increased, sponsorship deals have grown more lucrative, and local tracks report renewed enthusiasm among volunteers and staff. Martin is quick to point out that this success is not accidental. “This is Dale Jr.’s vision in action,” he said. “He’s hands-on, present, and invested in every detail. That’s why it’s working.”

Looking ahead, both Martin and other industry figures predict that Dale Jr.’s work with the CARS Tour could have a ripple effect throughout the world of short-track and late model racing. By elevating the standards of competition, improving financial incentives, and creating a fan-friendly experience, he is setting a new benchmark for what grassroots motorsports can achieve.

“It’s hard to overstate how important Dale Jr. is right now,” Martin concluded. “He’s a legend on the national stage, but here, at the grassroots level, he’s a hero. Everyone from drivers to fans to sponsors is lucky to have him in this role. Short-track racing is thriving because of his vision, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.”

For fans of late model racing, the message is clear: the sport is in good hands. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. steering the CARS Tour into a new era of competition, visibility, and excitement, the future of grassroots racing has never looked brighter. And according to Mark Martin, that’s exactly the kind of leadership the sport desperately needed.