and well grounded are all apt words for this NASCAR driver known to most
race fans as # 6.Mark has been runner-up for the Winston Cup Championship four times. Four other times, he came in third. He has always been a contender since his dirt racing days started in Batesville, Arkansas way back in the seventies.
Mark remembers his dad building him a racecar before he was old enough for a driver’s license. Winning races on local tracks would send them back to the garage to build still faster cars. At age 19, he became the youngest American Speed Association (ASA) circuit champion ever, driving a car primarily built by father and son.
The early 80’s was the first time Mark gave Winston Cup a try. He then returned to ASA circuit for four years. His motivation to do the best for his family and to be the best racer soon had him back racing with the elite drivers of Winston Cup.
If you have followed NASCAR the past few years, you know what a competitor Mark is. Winning many races is not enough. That coveted Winston Cup Championship that has so far eluded him is still his dream.
1998 was a good year for Mark, but when the season was over he was second in points again. Back pain was his constant companion during the 1999 season. Soon after the final Atlanta race, Mark had the required back surgery, and then rested a bit in that short time before the Daytona 500 started the round of races again.
The ability to handle adversity is one of Mark’s most distinguishable traits. The death of his father, step-mother and their daughter in a plane crash showed his ability to deal with a crisis. As devastating as that was to Mark, he dealt with the endless details surrounding the funeral and his father’s business, then went on a few days later to qualify fifth and finish second in the Pepsi 400.
Most of America was pulling for Mark to win that one for his dad. The winner, his racing rival Jeff Gordon, admitted that Mark deserved to win.
Being a Christian and knowing the teachings of the Bible have helped Mark deal with the many fears, anxieties, and frustrations through the years.
NASCAR schedules are back breakers. The demands made upon them from fans, sponsors and car owners are incredible. Yet, Mark says he has a sense of peace and security that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior.
Mark’s young adult life was mixed with trials, tough times, and a lot of disappointments.
Losing his good friend Clifford Allison was a turning point in his life. He rededicated his life to Christ and became one of the most consistent attendees at Bible Study and Chapel.
The 2002 NASCAR season is now history and Mark is once again runner-up to the champion. But, Mark knows that God loves and accepts him all the time.
The pressures of Mark’s life are lightened considerably by helping his young son, Matt, race his quarter midgets and his Bandolero. That pressure is further relieved by knowing that Jesus is always available to help bear the load for him.
For this NASCAR Winston Cup driver who does not seek the limelight, the goal of being the Winston Cup Champion keeps him racing. But, his championship in heaven was won that day he made certain he knew Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior
