Mark Martin witnessed 'most awesome thing' as young fan at 1976 Daytona 500

[@cupchamp5]

Wish Mark Martin was still racing the 6 car. True legend

[@hudsboy1049]

Hell yeah if he can win in his 50s then his 60s should be no problem ! 🤣🤣

[@alicebrokman2863]

Mark Martin a true gentleman on the track. NASCAR should hire him to teach the new rookies manners on the track.

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

I remember this one! Was in Junior Johnson’s pit when it happened ! David never stalled he pushed the clutch in

[@maxbeast1611]

Pearson said in an interview somehow he had the presence of mind to push the clutch in and keep the engine running. And while there is no audio recording known, he said over the radio “ he hit me” as he was traveling through the grass. Hard to tell just who touched who first, but that wasn’t typical of how either of them raced ( their cars were usually the best, so they didn’t need to drive dirty) anyone and especially each other. I’d chalk it up as just “ one of those racing deals”.

[@snowrocket]

In interviews at the time that's what they both said. Two truly talented gentleman racers at their best in their biggest race of the year. I have great respect for both of them.

[@jamesbraun9842]

Definitely the most under-rated Daytona 500 finish.

[@robwahl6288]

I was a freshman in HS but already a longtime NASCAR fan from 7 years old. Definitely one of the best and most memorable finishes for any race I have seen to this day.

[@charlesjackson9602]

The best finish ever!

[@donnaheiden1105]

Mark Martin, thank you for the excitement & fun that you gave us. Enjoyed & cheered for you. God bless you.

[@ramostott190]

Pretty wild start to the race too. Top 3 qualifiers got DQed, which left my grandpa sitting on the pole.

[@bullitt4930]

Excellent video! What a finish that was. On another note, really miss Mark Martin out on the track. Loved watching him in the 6 car on Sunday's as well as the Winn Dixie 60! Drove to several tracks just to watch him race!

[@federicogutierrezfan]

Mark Martin Is Awesome

[@slimhanson5792]

Martin best driver ever.

[@JohnJackson-i6r]

AWESOME, THAT IS RACING.

[@soylentteal]

I saw it the day it aired. Still the greatest finish ever. My observation was that Petty tried to block Pearson and that caused the contact. Was I wrong?

[@zanonguascar7999]

#21 Woodbrethers?? AWESOME!!!!

[@normandodson9183]

That was heavy duty racing. Wow

[@fishslicing]

I was at this race, turn 3/4 infield. It was awesome.

[@allanhall3922]

Eddie Wood was yelling into the radio for Pearson to . keep the the clutch down and not stall it. #21 never stalled

[@killrodx]

Interesting bit of history.

[@danielfoster3642]

Who would've thought that Mark Martin would almost win it in 2007?

[@Jraptorblue8465]

Today is my birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 🎂 🥳

[@Jraptorblue8465]

Thanks

[@NASCAR]

Happy birthday! 🥳🥳

[@alexisgasnier4293]

Well he got his own iconic finish 31 years later and just like his "guy", he unfortunately lost too !

[@HarryHafsak]

“That’s got to be the most mangled car ever…you’ve seen in victory lane….” Until 3 wrecks 5 at Bristol cause he couldn’t pass him.