Clint Bowyer had a special guest with him at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Tuesday morning. Mark Martin, a Hall of Famer himself was on hand to help Bowyer reveal his throwback scheme for September’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
Bowyer will take to the track in a Carolina Ford Dealers paint scheme. The design, pasted across the No. 14 Ford brings back memories of Martin’s sponsor from his early time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
There she is! The No. 14 Carolina Ford Dealers Ford Fusion that @ClintBowyer will race at @TooToughToTame. #NASCARthrowback pic.twitter.com/VgtHh2KImH
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) July 25, 2017
Martin drove that car with sponsorship and colors in 1989 and 1990. The original version was the No. 1, owned by Bill Davis, who later went on to own the No. 22 in the Cup Series.
Martin visited Victory Lane twice with the car, at Bristol in 1989 and Myrtle Beach in 1990. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon replaced him in 1991.
Martin was clearly happy to be a part of the ceremony. But for him, the accolades are secondary to highlighting the sport’s past.
“I am just honored to be a NASCAR Hall of Famer,” he said. “And grateful for places like the NASCAR Hall that preserve the history of our sport.”
Bowyer has yet to win at Darlington Raceway, posting a best finish of ninth in 2007. He’s currently the first driver on the outside looking in at the NASCAR playoffs following Kasey Kahne’s upset victory in Indianapolis.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series tackles this year’s Southern 500 on September 3rd at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
About the author
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.
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