Mark Martin hasn’t held back his thoughts on the controversial decision to reverse Erik Jones’ victory in Duel 2, which took place ahead of the Daytona 500. After Jones crossed the finish line ahead of Austin Cindric, NASCAR made the controversial decision to reverse the victory, declaring that Cindric was ahead before the caution flag was waved.
The move sparked widespread frustration, and Martin, no stranger to racing heartbreaks, didn’t hold back in expressing his opinion.
Mark Martin’s Quick and Blunt Reaction
Following the race, Martin took to X to share his thoughts, and his message was short but powerful:
“2007. No yellow @DAYTONA @NASCAR,” Martin wrote.
For Martin, this wasn’t just a passing frustration — it was a throwback to his own devastating experience at Daytona in 2007 when he lost the Daytona 500 to Kevin Harvick by 0.02 seconds. Despite a multi-car wreck happening behind them, no caution flag was thrown, and Harvick managed to edge Martin out at the finish line. That moment has haunted Martin for years, and his tweet after Jones’ controversy clearly showed that he saw a parallel between what happened in 2007 and what had just unfolded in Duel 2.
2007. No yellow 🤦🏻 @DAYTONA @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/eLqjOV28Qo
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) February 14, 2025
NASCAR Fans and Drivers Join the Fray
Mark Martin wasn’t alone in his frustration. Jeb Burton, another NASCAR driver, shared Martin’s post, agreeing with the veteran’s perspective. Burton, who is no stranger to close calls in racing, added his thoughts:
“Yeah. I don’t agree with the call tonight. Why push the button 100 yards away from the line?” Burton wrote.
The comment reflected a broader sentiment among fans and drivers who felt the decision to reverse Jones’ win was unfair. Many questioned why NASCAR would make a call that seemed to contradict what they had seen happen on the track.
A Hall of Fame Career, But No Title
Despite never winning a Cup Series title, Martin’s career is one of the most accomplished in NASCAR history. He has 96 career wins, including 40 in the Cup Series, and is widely regarded as one of the most consistent and precise drivers the sport has ever seen.
Since retiring in 2013, Martin has stayed involved in the sport but has embraced his life away from the track. Still, his opinion carries weight in the NASCAR community, and his comments on Jones’ reversal reflect his deep connection to the sport and its ongoing challenges.
NASCAR Faces Growing Scrutiny
The Jones-Cindric controversy adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding NASCAR’s decision-making in high-stakes moments. With the Daytona 500 just around the corner, the focus will shift to the race itself, but the ripple effects of this decision will surely continue to stir discussion. Whether Jones or Cindric takes the win this weekend, NASCAR’s credibility will remain under the microscope, and how they handle such calls will be a crucial talking point for fans and drivers alike.
