NASCAR veteran Mark Martin has recently declared himself a new fan of Lavar Scott, an emerging driver quickly making a name in the racing world. Martin’s admiration stems not only from Scott’s driving ability but also from their shared respect for rapper Gucci Mane and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski. This connection was highlighted in a post Martin shared on X.
Martin tweeted,
“I’ve had my eye on @LavarScott driving the $hit out of a race car. I just found out we share the mutual respect for the GOAT @gucci1017 (Gucci Mane) and the #6 (Brad Keselowski) as well. I’m a new fan.”
Lavar Scott’s Rapid Rise Through NASCAR Ranks
Lavar Scott has been gaining significant momentum racing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for Rev Racing, where he earned the title of 2024 ARCA Menards Series Rookie of the Year. Supported by Max Siegel Inc. and guided by crew chief Glenn Parker, Scott is one of NASCAR’s standout prospects from the Drive for Diversity program.
Mark Martin’s praise coincides with Scott’s recent advancement into the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Sponsored by Foxxtecca and affiliated with Alpha Prime Racing, Scott made his Xfinity debut at the BetRivers 200 at Dover. He is scheduled to return to the track on September 6—the same day as his birthday—at World Wide Technology Raceway, with Foxxtecca as his primary sponsor.
Mark Martin’s Call for Revamping NASCAR’s Championship Format
Beyond commending Scott, Martin took a strong stance on NASCAR’s championship system during an appearance on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast. He argued that the current playoff format does not reflect the preferences of most fans and pushed for a return to a 36-race, season-long points championship.
Martin shared his perspective on fan preferences, stating,
“The majority of fans want a 36 race championship. And then below that, 30 percent of the fans want a ten-race chase. And so 20 percent of the fans either want the playoff system or an adjusted version of the playoff system. And until somebody proves me wrong, or until I get an answer for the fans for why their voice doesn’t matter in this decision. I’m gon’ keep it up.”
He expressed frustration at the apparent disregard for fan input on the championship format and insisted he will continue advocating for their opinion unless provided a reasonable explanation.
Potential Changes on the Horizon for NASCAR Playoffs
NASCAR is currently evaluating possible adjustments to its playoff structure, with decisions expected before the end of August to meet broadcast scheduling requirements for the 2026 season. Martin suggested that an internal committee is involved in reviewing the format, and there is emerging consensus that deciding the title with a single race is problematic.
This growing support for a championship format emphasizing a broader sample of races could significantly impact how NASCAR crowns its season champion, potentially aligning more closely with fan desires for a traditional, season-long competition.
