Mark Martin, a professional race car driver, has too many wins under his long, successful racing career to list. Whether you follow racing or not, don’t you wonder how someone who can race at such great speeds does it?
It is our pleasure to welcome NASCAR racer Mark Martin to The Global Townhall to find out a little more about what contributes to his success.
Gabrielle Reilly: When did you know you wanted to be a race car driver?
Mark Martin: My dad put me in a car when I was a kid. I guess you could say that’s when it all started.
Gabrielle Reilly: What attributes are most important to be the fastest driver possible?
Mark Martin: You have to be dedicated to the job. It isn’t all about bravery. It’s about telling your crew chief what the car is doing on the track so he can make the adjustments necessary to make the car go a little bit faster.
Gabrielle Reilly: What does your fitness regime look like?
Mark Martin: The short answer is lots of weights, some cardio and a good diet.
Gabrielle Reilly: What does your diet look like?
Mark Martin: I eat very healthy. Fish, chicken and nutrition bars. A healthy diet is important to me and I follow it pretty well.
Gabrielle Reilly: How many hours sleep do you get?
Mark Martin: I go to be pretty early at night and get my mornings started early. I love to get to the gym early.
Gabrielle Reilly: How hard have you worked to get where you are?
Mark Martin: I’ve worked very hard but I have also been blessed to work with a lot of great owners, crewmembers and race teams. I’ve been with some of the best in the sport, so I feel very fortunate.
Gabrielle Reilly: What do you love to do with your time away from the track?
Mark Martin: Spending time with (wife) Arlene and (son) Matt. I work out quite a bit and do love the freedom I get in the air flying my plane.
Gabrielle Reilly: I usually get to this question with my guests since it took me a few years to understand this process myself. How do you handle the good, the bad and the ugly of being in the public spotlight?
Mark Martin: You do your best. The most pressure in life comes from yourself. If you’ve done your best then there isn’t much more you can give.
Gabrielle Reilly: Can you give our readers some words of wisdom to help improve their life that you have learnt along the way?
Mark Martin: You know yourself better than anyone else. Listen to that voice in your head and don’t be afraid of what it tells you.
