The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NASCAR: Martin Likes The Winston 'Surprise'

16 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
The element of surprise has been a big factor throughout the 15-year history of The Winston, NASCAR's all-star event. That certainly was the case in 1998, when Jeff Gordon ran out of fuel on the last lap, giving Mark Martin the win.

"When you don't know you're going to win, that's the most fun of all," says Martin, who will carry Valvoline's MaxLife colors on his Ford Taurus in Saturday night's (May 20) race at Charlotte's Lowe's Motor Speedway.

"It's been fun and it's been miserable. We wrecked right away last year with a great car. (Dale) Earnhardt beat us when we thought we had it won years ago (1993). That was a miserable feeling. And, then, it's brought me one of the high points of my career. I was just in the process of completing my pass for second place when Gordon dropped down to the inside. I thought for a second, 'He thinks the race is over.' It was a big surprise.

"It's a pretty volatile race and the fans feel and see that. I approach it as a condensed race. These guys who say they're going for it in The Winston, that means they're not going for it the rest of the time. I'm going for it in every race."

Special Report: Auction Nets Results

The first week of the Valvoline Online Racing Auction on eBay.com raised approximately $40,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The top item was a NASCAR race weekend as a Mark Martin honorary pit crew member, which attracted a bid of $12,000.

The auction continues through May 23. There are autographed items from Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Dale Jarrett, Paul Newman, A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Arie Luyendyk and Alex Zanardi among many, many others. Plus, several travel packages and one-of-a-kind motorsports "experiences."

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA UPDATE: Mark Martin's on-track performance in the Valvoline Ford, combined with contributions from Valvoline and NASCAR fans, has brought the current total raised for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1999 to $324,410. Valvoline is donating $5,000 for every Winston Cup race Martin wins, $2,500 for each pole, $1,000 for a top-five finish, and $20 per lap Martin leads in this "Caring Hands"

program. The next trackside fundraiser, where fans can put their handprints on a canvas wall, receive a commemorative button, and make donations, will be May 27 at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte.

Text provided by Michael Knight

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.