In the Pits- MB2

Marlin makes 700th career Cup start at California Speedway

MB2 Motorsports driver Sterling Marlin made the 700th NASCAR Cup start of his career in the Sept. 3 Nextel Cup race at California Speedway.

The Columbia, TN native’s rise in NASCAR’s premier series started 30 years ago—May 8, 1976—when he competed in his first Cup race, subbing for his injured father—Clifton “Coo Coo” Marlin—at Nashville Speedway.

Since then, Marlin has gone on to become one of NASCAR’s most recognizable names. To date, Marlin’s career statistics include 10 wins, 83 top fives, 216 top 10s and earnings of more than $39 million.

“I didn’t even realize I was approaching 700 starts,” says Marlin. “That’s a pretty neat thing to achieve. When I got behind the wheel for the first time 30 years ago, I would never have imagined I’d still be doing it today. I feel very fortunate to have been able to something I love for all these years.”

Marlin became only the 11th driver in NASCAR Cup history to reach the 700-start milestone.

Other drivers with more than 700 starts include Richard Petty (1,185), Dave Marcis (883), Ricky Rudd (875), Terry Labonte (844), Darrell Waltrip (809), Kyle Petty (773), Bill Elliott (751), Bobby Allison (719), Rusty Wallace (706) and Buddy Baker (701).

“I have become a member of a pretty neat group of guys,” says Marlin. “There are some great names on that list, and I am very proud to have joined it. I have been around race cars for as long as I can remember, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

“One thing is for sure—when you have been messing with race cars like I’ve been doing since I was 12 or 13-years-old, time really flies,” continues Marlin. “Racing is my life, and I’m still having a blast.”

Photo caption:

MB2 Motorsports drivers Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin