Mark ran his first Winston Cup race in 1981, when he ran five races,
while winning two poles. The following year he ran a full season in 1982.
Failing to find adequate sponsorship, Mark ran only a handful of races
from 1983-87, before hooking up with Jack Roush in 1988 to form what would
become one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.Mark On His 500th Consecutive Start:
"I'm really thankful for what I have and the time that I've had and the success that I've had. The fact that I've been able to do this, actually says a lot about the people around me over the years that worked really hard to make that possible. Jack (Roush) basically gave me a second chance and the opportunity to pursue my dreams, and we have been doing that ever since.
"It's (the steak) a pretty good accomplishment. It would be a lot longer if I had stayed in from the beginning. I started in 1981 and then ran a full season in 1982. I missed '83-87, but if I had kept a job at that time I would have had a really large number. Still it has been really rewarding and I've experienced so much.”
"As far as the streak, I've been really fortunate about not having to miss a race, or even need relief in that period of time. Thankfully I've been able to drive my car every week since it all started.”
"There are a lot of things that stand out. Perhaps the biggest thing is my relationship with Jack Roush over the years and how it has grown and changed over time. We've been through it all together, the agonizing disappointments and the highest of highs that we have had.”
"I'm not complaining at all. Some of the high points that I've had in my life shouldn't even be allowed. I've had the good fortune of winning a lot of races and a lot of trophies. For every win there was probably one that got away in the most agonizing way, but that is a part of what has grown the relationship between Jack and myself. We've been through it all together and we have a lot of things to show for it.”
"I've realized a dream and not a lot of people get to do that. Growing up in Arkansas, NASCAR racing was the ultimate to me. To have had the opportunity to drive on a competitive level and the good fortune to have experienced a lot of success and win a lot of races, that is more than I could have asked for.”
