Mark Martin is returning to the race team for which he spent 20 years behind the wheel. The 55-year-old driver will return to Roush Fenway Racing as a driver development coach.
Martin was first hired by Jack Roush in 1988. The two formed a dynamic duo that finished as the runner up to four Sprint Cup Series championships and 35 wins in the premier series.
“I’m excited to return to Roush Fenway Racing, as it feels like I’m going home to where I belong,” said Martin. “I was fortunate to help build this team from the beginning and it’s very humbling to be a part of Jack’s team again. When Jack first hired me in 1988 we didn’t talk about salary or benefits or perks, we talked about testing, tires and putting the right personnel into place to win on the track. That commitment is what stood out to me then and it’s still what stands out to me today.
“Nobody does a better job at developing young talent than Jack Roush,” added Martin. “Roush Fenway has an abundance of young, talented drivers and I’m looking forward to working with each of them going forward. I am very proud of what Jack and I were able to accomplish together and I am excited to expand on those accomplishments.
After leaving Roush Fenway, Martin went on to compete for Hendrick Motorsports and saw time behind the wheel at Michael Waltrip Racing. He drove the No. 14 car for Stewart Haas Racing last year in place of an injured Tony Stewart.
“I understand what it takes to succeed in this business and appreciate the hard work, dedication and focus required to compete at the highest level week in and week out,” added the NASCAR legend. “We have a great crop of young drivers in Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.) and Trevor (Bayne), as well as with the rookies Chris Buescher and Ryan Reed and of course the veteran leadership with Greg Biffle. It will be a key part of my job to help them develop their skills behind the wheel and get the most of their exceptional ability.”
