“We get to hang out with all our old buddies” - Mark Martin makes feeling known about receiving NASCAR Alumni invitation

NASCAR legend Mark Martin has shared his feelings about receiving an invitation to the NASCAR Alumni event on his social media account. The program was launched this year to help NASCAR and its fans stay connected with former drivers.

In a video posted by Mark Martin on Instagram, the five-time IROC champion expressed his excitement to reconnect with former teammates and competitors through the invitation. He also emphasized how special it is to reunite with those he's shared so many memories with throughout his storied career.

Thanking NASCAR for the invitation, Martin said:

“This is a new NASCAR alumni program that they're doing, which is really, really great. It allows us to, NASCAR's inviting all the old-timers that was a part of the sport, and now don't come around that much anymore, to inviting us to come and be a part of the sport…”

“Good stuff, man. It's, of course, the NASCAR hard part, they take care of us every year, so when we come to the racetrack, they're inviting us to a lot of the different racetracks, so when we come to the racetrack, we get to hang out with all our old buddies. It's kind of like a homecoming get-together.”

NASCAR Alumni Network opened to former NASCAR competitors who have competed in more than 100 races in their NASCAR careers. According to NASCAR.com, the members of this Alumni Network will have the opportunity to interact with current and former members of the industry through special networking events, including an annual meeting at track.

Amber Wells, who manages the NASCAR Hall of Fame, is the executive director of the NASCAR Alumni Network.

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“Traveling and seeing the country”: Mark Martin reflects on his life after NASCAR retirement

Mark Martin is regarded as the most accomplished NASCAR driver of his time, competing in the Cup Series from 1981 to 2003. He finished second five times in the NASCAR Cup Series standings and has the second-most wins in the Xfinity Series with 49.

During his 31-year-long Cup Series career, Mark Martin won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2002 and the Southern 500 twice. He racked up 40 wins, 453 top-10 finishes, and a record 53 poles in 882 Cup Series starts. He announced his retirement from the sport in November 2013.

Reflecting on his retired life, Martin told NASCAR.com:

“I’m retired. I’m really enjoying retired life, that’s really all I’ve got going on. I enjoy seeing and spending time with family and seeing friends and traveling and seeing the country. Arlene (his wife) and I have done a good bit of motor coaching.”