Mark Martin Mark of Excellence Author:Larry Woody Mark Martin may be one of NASCAR's most diminutive drivers but he has always been big for his size--big ambitions, big heart, and big determination. Born January 9, 1959, Martin grew up in rural Arkansas where he inherited his father Julian's affection for speed and daredevil driving, and by age 15 he was a formidable contender on the tough litt... more »le bullrings around the area. Competing against an established cadre of crusty old veterans, the leather-tough little racer quickly earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. He fought--sometimes literally--and he not only held his own, more than often he won. Martin piled up victories and captured championships in some of the sport's lower and mid-level divisions, including four American Speed Association (ASA) championships. Higher up the ladder he won four IROC crowns and collected more Busch Series wins (45) than any other driver in the history of NASCAR's second-tier division. But Martin's aim was always higher, on the big target: NASCAR's Winston Cup Series, the major league of stock car racing. This book follows Mark's storied career from Batesville to NASCAR's big leagues.« less