This tribute features NASCAR legend Sterling Marlin, a three-time track champion at Nashville Speedway and two-time Daytona 500 winner. Although his first Cup Series start came in 1976, Marlin did not secure a stable full-time ride until 1987. This persistence throughout the 1980s drew the respect from other drivers and teams in a period where competitive rides were difficult to find. Even by the end of his career, it was clear that Marlin could always do more with less. It’s worth wondering what his final career statistics would be if he piloted competitive equipment for a longer period.
Marlin competed against the sport’s best drivers during his 30+ year career, and in doing so, earned himself a place on NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list in 2023. He finished his career with 10 wins including back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in 1994-95. He finished third in Cup Series points on two occasions, and finished with more than $40 million in earnings. Not bad considering his humble beginnings as a tobacco farmer.
A super speedway ace, similar to his father, Marlin was consistent whenever piloting capable equipment. His down-to-earth charisma and southern drawl was always popular with race fans and the media. Many fans may not know that he was a class clown, always pranking his garage peers. Some of Marlin’s best driver friends included Michael Waltrip, Ken Schrader, Rusty Wallace, and Bobby Hamilton.
This tribute video was fun to create, and so much was learned about his long career, which spanned three decades. It was not easy to capture everything in one video, but hopefully it sheds light on Marlin’s racing abilities, persistence, humor, and the respect he earned from those around him. I hope you enjoy looking back on one of the most underrated drivers the Cup Series has seen.