Charlotte, North Carolina, January 5, 2026
NASCAR legend Mark Martin recently recalled a dramatic moment from 1987 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he inadvertently caused fellow driver Rick Mast to spin during a practice session. Despite the scary incident resulting in Mast’s broken wrist, Martin expressed relief that he avoided hitting the wall, emphasizing their friendship and the shared respect among competitors in the sport. The incident occurred during a practice for the Winn-Dixie 300, highlighting the inherent risks of NASCAR racing.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A decades-old moment of high-speed drama at Charlotte Motor Speedway was recently recalled by legendary NASCAR driver Mark Martin, who reflected on an incident where he inadvertently caused fellow competitor Rick Mast to spin during a practice session in 1987. Martin expressed profound relief that Mast’s car did not strike the wall, despite the significant impact that saw Mast’s windshield fly out and resulted in a broken wrist for the driver.
Recalling the 1987 Busch Series Incident
The event unfolded during a practice session for the Winn-Dixie 300, part of the NASCAR Busch Series, which took place on May 23, 1987, at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. Martin, behind the wheel of the #31 Lawnmaster Racing Ford, was attempting to achieve a favorable angle into Turn 3 when his car made contact with the quarter panel of Mast’s #22 A.G. Dillard Motorsports Pontiac. The contact sent Mast’s car spinning backward on the track.
Immediate Aftermath and Relief
The impact was severe enough to dislodge the windshield from Mast’s vehicle, and he sustained a broken wrist. However, a critical detail that Martin remembers vividly and with gratitude is that Mast managed to avoid hitting the wall. Martin recounted his immediate feelings of being “sick about it” following the incident, highlighting the high stakes and inherent dangers of racing even during practice. This avoidance of a wall impact likely prevented more severe injuries or damage, allowing Mast to continue participating after repairs.
A Relationship Forged in Competition
Despite the on-track mishap, Martin emphasized his deep respect and friendship with Mast, describing him as a “great competitor” and someone “so precious” to him. He acknowledged that mistakes are part of racing, stating that neither he nor Mast held any ill will over the incident. This anecdote underscores the often-seen camaraderie and mutual respect among drivers in the intense world of professional stock car racing, even when competitive incidents occur.
Race Day Performance
Following the practice session incident, both drivers competed in the Winn-Dixie 300. Mark Martin ultimately finished the 200-lap race in 11th position, while Rick Mast, who had started in sixth place, completed the race in 19th. In the overall 1987 NASCAR Busch Series season, Martin concluded the year in eighth place, with Mast finishing 11th.
Charlotte Motor Speedway: A Landmark of Racing
Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, North Carolina, has been a cornerstone of American motorsports since its opening in 1960. Designed and constructed by O. Bruton Smith, with contributions from Curtis Turner, the 1.5-mile quad-oval intermediate speedway has hosted numerous major races across various series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. It gained distinction in 1992 by becoming the first modern superspeedway to host night auto racing with the installation of a comprehensive lighting system. The speedway has continuously evolved, introducing features such as the 2.28-mile, 17-turn ROVAL™ road course oval in 2018, which quickly became renowned as one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks. Over its history, the venue has undergone various enhancements, including a new NASCAR Cup Series garage area in 1994 and the addition of zMAX Dragway in 2008, solidifying its reputation as a leading motorsports complex.
The NASCAR Busch Series, where the incident between Martin and Mast occurred, served as a vital stepping stone for many drivers aspiring to compete in the Cup Series, providing competitive racing and developing talent. The series offered a platform for drivers to hone their skills and gain experience on diverse tracks, contributing significantly to the landscape of Nationwide stock car racing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What event was Mark Martin recalling?
A: Mark Martin was recalling an incident where he spun Rick Mast’s car during a practice session at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the 1987 NASCAR Busch Series season.
Q: When did the incident between Mark Martin and Rick Mast occur?
A: The incident occurred during a practice session for the Winn-Dixie 300 race on May 23, 1987.
Q: Which cars were involved in the spin?
A: Mark Martin was driving the #31 Lawnmaster Racing Ford, and Rick Mast was in the #22 A.G. Dillard Motorsports Pontiac.
Q: What injuries did Rick Mast sustain?
A: Rick Mast sustained a broken wrist during the incident.
Q: What was Mark Martin’s primary relief regarding the incident?
A: Mark Martin’s primary relief was that Rick Mast’s car did not hit the wall after spinning.
Q: How did Mark Martin describe his relationship with Rick Mast?
A: Mark Martin described Rick Mast as a “great competitor” and someone “so precious” to him, noting they had a “great relationship”.
Q: Where is Charlotte Motor Speedway located?
A: Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in Concord, North Carolina.
Q: When did Charlotte Motor Speedway open?
A: Charlotte Motor Speedway opened its gates in 1960.
Q: What was a significant innovation introduced by Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1992?
A: In 1992, Charlotte Motor Speedway installed a lighting system, becoming the first modern superspeedway to host night auto racing.
Key Details of the Mark Martin and Rick Mast Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drivers Involved | Mark Martin, Rick Mast |
| Event Type | Practice session, NASCAR Busch Series |
| Location | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Date of Incident | May 23, 1987 |
| Mark Martin’s Car | #31 Lawnmaster Racing Ford |
| Rick Mast’s Car | #22 A.G. Dillard Motorsports Pontiac |
| Impact Point | Turn 3, quarter panel contact |
| Key Outcome for Mast | Spun backward, windshield flew out, broken wrist; avoided hitting the wall |
| Series Season | 1987 NASCAR Busch Series |
| Martin’s Season Finish | 8th in 1987 NASCAR Busch Series points |
| Mast’s Season Finish | 11th in 1987 NASCAR Busch Series points |
| Scope of Facts | Nationwide (NASCAR Busch Series), State-level (Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina) |
Now Happening on X
- @wsoctv (January 5, 2026, 7:30 AM) A new program in Charlotte uses civilian investigators to free up police officers and improve response times for traffic crashes. View on X
- @theobserver (January 4, 2026, 7:00 PM) Authorities in Charlotte discovered a homicide while responding to a reported assault at 2:30 a.m. View on X
- @LibsOfCharlotte (January 2, 2026, 11:33 AM) Police thwarted a potential terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in the Charlotte area. View on X
- @Matt (January 2, 2026, 12:58 PM) Residents express growing concern over rising physical harm crimes in Charlotte, including stabbings on the light rail, prompting calls for National Guard intervention. View on X
- @foxcarolinanews (January 3, 2026, 2:00 AM) Authorities successfully prevented a potential terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in the Charlotte metro region. View on X
- @theobserver (January 2, 2026, 6:00 AM) CMPD reported a homicide uncovered during an assault call at 2:30 a.m. in Charlotte. View on X
- @DileanBrittjus (January 4, 2026, 7:25 PM) Community members highlight ongoing issues like foiled terrorist plots, street takeovers, murders, and stabbings as signs of lawlessness in Charlotte. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Reflecting on the Carolinas’ Most Significant Stories
Man Receives Life Sentence for Tragic Child Murder
17-Year-Old Apprehended After Shots Fired Incident in Winston-Salem
Charlotte Area Law Enforcement Addresses Public Safety Concerns
Tragedy in North Carolina: Father of NASCAR Driver Dies in Fire
Statesville Regional Airport Reopens After Fatal Crash
Charlotte and Dover Face Tragic Incidents
Charlotte Faces Multiple Tragedies and Community Victories
Charlotte Man Shot and Killed Outside Child Care Facility
Tragedy Strikes in Statesville as Plane Crash Claims Lives
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
