305 - Mark Martin (Part One): I Race, That’s What I Do

Finally! NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin joins Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Download for the first time. The former Hendrick Motorsports teammates dive into Mark's meteoric rise from local dirt racer to NASCAR front-runner. They discuss how his dad influenced his passion for racing, including letting him drive a tractor trailer at the age of 12 and the time his father did donuts around a police car in a parking lot. Then, the Batesville, Arkansas native talks about his biggest influences in the short track days and the time that a lack of a right rear spring sprung him to the top of the speed charts. Mark reflects on his relationship with fellow competitors and why he was comfortable sharing his setups with anyone that asked. The veteran opens up about his journey to NASCAR, then losing everything, and how that failure made him who he is today. Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis are shocked by never before heard stories of watching races in Dale Earnhardt's basement and nearly ending up in the 28 car. Lastly, Martin covers how he originally connected with car owner Jack Roush and gets deep about the rocky start to their long relationship.  The ratings were up as NASCAR returned to NBC and Dale Jr. went back to work in the booth. He reveals deep thoughts about his return to work and finding a purpose in life. Plus, the DJD gang weighs in on the first NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader. They learn that the late Charlie Daniels loved the Xfinity Series and with the help of a fan, ponder the idea of triple digit car numbers during Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity. Dale also learns how being stuck in an elevator can cause a driver to have a nightmare scenario in this week's Odd History.