“I will have my 1995 Dodge Daytona” - Mark Martin open to joining IROC amid Zak Brown’s latest NASCAR acquisition

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin recently hinted at his return to the International Race of Champions, following the event's comeback after an 18-year break from racing. This was prompted by an update from Zak Brown, who is the Team Principal of Formula One team McLaren Racing.

Martin's illustrious NASCAR career, spanning 31 years, cemented his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers. Renowned for his skill and consistency, he amassed 96 victories across NASCAR's top three divisions, including 40 in the Cup Series. Despite his achievements, Martin missed out on a championship title, finishing as the runner-up five times. His legacy remains a testament to perseverance and excellence in motorsports.

Recently, Zak Brown shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his enthusiasm for the return of IROC. Moreover, Brown also wrote about his recent purchase of a legendary race-winning IROC car. He wrote:

"So pumped that they're bringing back the iconic IROC series, when we used to be able to answer the question of who was the best of the best! I recently acquired this Cale Yarborough/Darrell Waltrip IROC car that won at Riverside, the racetrack I grew up going to. Can’t wait to get it out on the track at the Monterey Historics!"

Following Brown's update, Mark Martin suggested that he might join Zak Brown with his 1995 Dodge Daytona at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, scheduled from August 13 to August 16, 2025. Martin wrote,

"I look forward to seeing you there with it @ZBrownCEO I will have my 1995 Dodge Daytona there too. @irocofficial" Mark Martin wrote

The 2024 edition of the prestigious IROC took place at Lime Rock Park on July 19 and 20. The event featured a lineup of legendary IROC champions, including Bobby Labonte, Ken Schrader, Davy Jones, and Mark Martin, who returned to the track with their historic race cars.

The gathering of past champions added a special touch to the event, showcasing the legacy of the IROC series and the passion of its participants.

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When Mark Martin let his heartfelt emotions flow during his NASCAR HoF induction speech

Mark Martin, a legendary figure in American stock car racing, was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017. During his induction speech, the former NASCAR Cup Series driver from Arkansas expressed deep gratitude and said he was honored to have his legacy permanently enshrined in the sport's history.

During his induction speech in Charlotte, North Carolina, Martin said:

"I can't tell you how it feels to stand up here in front of you tonight. It's a feeling that my words could never do justice. To say it's an honor would be an understatement, to say it's a culmination of a lifelong dream is a fact. It's an honor beyond the wildest imagination of a kid from Arkansas that just loved to drive fast cars and win races."

Martin thanked everyone who had been a part of his glorious journey in NASCAR, and said it was "our moment." He said,

"This is your moment, our moment... We stand in the grandest Victory Lane of all. We made it to the NASCAR Hall of Fame."

The 2025 Cup Series campaign will return for the esteemed Daytona 500 on February 16, at 2:30 PM Eastern time. Fans can catch the race live on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM.