“It is largely due to the format”: Mark Martin blames NASCAR’s system for Austin Dillon’s controversial move at Richmond

NASCAR legend Mark Martin recently talked about the controversy surrounding Austin Dillon's last-lap move at Richmond Raceway. Dillon’s aggressive move to win the race cost him playoff eligibility. Martin shared his views on the situation and claimed that NASCAR's current format played a role in Dillon's decision.

Dillon was recently penalized by NASCAR for his actions at Richmond. He got to keep the win but was disciplined for wrecking other cars on the final lap. NASCAR decided his actions violated playoff rules and his win won’t count towards playoff eligibility.

In the latest episode of DJD Reloaded, Martin discussed how NASCAR has changed over the years and how these changes have led to situations like the controversial win last Sunday at Richmond Raceway.

When asked about Dillon's final lap move to win and make the playoffs, Martin claimed the move was a consequence of NASCAR's current rules.

"I don't necessarily agree with it, um, but it is largely due to the format. I mean, this all started, um, you know, I'm a purist. I'm a racer. I'm a purist. I grew up in an era where, uh, respect and honor and dignity were everything," Martin said (1:48).

Martin also added that the move was daring and surprising. He said he laughed while watching and thought it took guts to do what Dillon did.

"I would agree with that. You know, I can come at this from a couple of different angles. The first angle is straight up fan. I was sitting watching the race by myself and I laughed out loud. I mean, it was so outrageous that I laughed. You know, it takes balls to do what Austin Dillon did," Martin added (1:20).

Mark Martin also shared his thoughts on the penalty decision by saying that he thought NASCAR's decision was fair, but he also felt bad for the organization because they were put in a tough spot.

“I think it's fair... I don't envy NASCAR at all... they were in a position of no win,” Martin said (00:30).

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"I still love NASCAR..but it is dang sure different than it was when I was growing up" - Mark Martin discusses changes in the stock car series

Mark Martin is a retired NASCAR driver who has 49 wins in the Xfinity Series and 40 in the Cup Series. He ran over 800 races in NASCAR over his 31-year career that started in the early 1980's.

In the same episode, Martin also reflects on how NASCAR has changed over the years. He said it is not the same as when he was a fan growing up.

"I'm kind of right. I'm a fan; I still love NASCAR and I still watch it, but it is dang sure different than it was when I was growing up," Martin said (3:17).

Martin criticized NASCAR’s double-file restarts and green-white-checkered finishes. He believes these changes were made to please fans and TV, not to improve the sport.

"I terribly disagreed with the double-file restart when they started double-file restarts. Why did they do that? They did that to take the advantage away from the guy who was going to win the race. Okay, I mean, flat out, they did that to appease the fans and television. You know, and the green-white-checkered as well. I'm not a fan of that either." (2:38)