NASCAR’s Heartbreaking Moments: Mark Martin - 1998 Pepsi 400 presented by DeVilbiss

This is the first of a three-part series I am uploading about Mark Martin. The day before the 1998 Bud at the Glen, Mark Martin’s father Julian, Julian’s wife Shelly, and Shelly’s daughter Sarah passed away in a tragic private plane crash in Nevada. Mark was not aware of the accident until after the race the next day. Obviously, Mark came to the next race at the Pepsi 400 presented by DeVilbiss with a heavy heart. But, knowing Mark Martin, I knew he would race his heart out to get the best finish he can. Ernie Irvan won the pole and dominated the first half of the race. He was able to pin Mark down on the inside line every chance he could. Mark would get a few laps led but Ernie would drive around the outside and keep that lead. Eventually, Mark would get by Ernie in a long run and seemed to had the race in hand. Ernie attempted a two-tire strategy on the last pit stop, but Mark roared by him quickly and pulled away. It looked like Mark would get an emotional sentimental win at Michigan. However, Ward Burton blew an engine with 21 laps to go, bringing out a caution. Mark and the other leaders took two tires. Somehow, Jeff Gordon, who was in the back half of the top 10 for most of the race, got through the traffic on the restart and took the lead with 9 laps to go. Gordon had not led any lap until that point. Gordon pulled away and got his fourth consecutive Cup Series victory. Mark fell back to fourth place. I included the RPM2Night episode where Mark is interviewed and you can tell he was hurt but he was determined that he “give ’em a whoopin’ at Bristol.“ Race uploaded by SMIFF TV. RPM2Night uploaded by Dave W. Video is for awareness purposes only. All credit to NASCAR and ESPN.