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Check out AAA Escapes NASCAR packages Check out AAA Escapes exclusive NASCAR packages, which include hotel stay, race tickets, NASCAR-related attraction tickets, select meals and more! Contact us at "NASCAR Programs" for more information. AAA Members may now shop and enjoy a 20% discount on Mark Martin and #6 Ford Fusion merchandise online —from t-shirts to hats and collectibles. Meet with a AAA Counselor Saturday hours at many locations. |
AAA and Mark Martin
His steely eyes focus on the track ahead. Inches separate him from his competitors. Back and forth they jockey…each gaining and losing precious inches as they head for the checkered flag…
Mark Martin has played out this scene hundreds of times throughout the course of his 18-year career. From age 15, when he took his first checkered flag in an Arkansas dirt track, to his top–10 finish last season in the Nextel Cup, competitors know that Mark Martin is a formidable contender in every race.
AAA is proud to be a member of the Mark Martin #6 race team. With this year’s sponsorship of the #6 team, AAA can help serve you in more ways than ever.
>AAA Offers Merchandise, Show Car and Race Simulator
>History of Indy 500
>AAA and Motorsports – A Long Tradition
>AAA and Auto Racing Today
>AAA Escapes NASCAR Packages
>More Racing, Stats & Safety Information
AAA Offers Merchandise,
Show Car and Race Simulator
Look for Mark Martin merchandise, travel packages to the races, see the #6 showcar and feel the excitement of racing in one of the AAA race simulators.
AAA members and race fans can now get an inside view and join our AAA pit crew. AAA has hit the road with The #6 AAA Mark Martin Virtual Race Experience, which features a Mark Martin Super Speedway Car and virtual race simulators. The #6 Mark Martin Super Speedway Race Car will be on display for members to have pictures taken. Then step over and feel what it is like to pilot the #6 Car on one of our race simulators.
AAA members will also be able to utilize great member benefits such as travel packages to races and Mark Martin Merchandise at discounted rates.
Get more information on member-only discounts, and where you can see the #6 Super Speedway Race Car and Race simulators.
History of Indy 500
The Indianapolis 500 is the longest-running and most prestigious auto race in the United States, taking place every year on Memorial Day weekend since 1911 (except for during America's participation in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45). It is known worldwide as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," and attracts the largest single-day crowd of any spectator sporting event in the world.
AAA and Motorsports
The history of organized auto racing in America began with the work of AAA and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911. Motorsports is an important component of AAA's heritage, and AAA is proud to return to its historical roots at the Indy 500.
AAA and Motorsports – A Long Tradition
Automotive racing appeared almost as early as automobiles themselves. The first auto race in the United States took place in Chicago, IL., on Nov. 2, 1895, over a 54.36-mile course. Driver Frank Duryea won in just over 10 hours, beating three gas-fueled cars and two electrics.
The first major trophy awarded for American auto racing was the Vanderbilt Cup. The Vanderbilt Cup Race was also the first race held under the auspices of the AAA Racing Board. AAA, the first sanctioning body for auto racing in the United States, established the national driving championship in 1909. AAA was already recognized as the pre-eminent motorsports sanctioning organization in the country. It sanctioned the Indianapolis 500—at that time, the largest auto race in the United States—from 1911 to 1955.
AAA sponsored road races, rallies and long distance runs to demonstrate the safety, reliability and technological advances of automobiles of that era. However, in 1955, AAA disengaged from automobile racing to concentrate on providing automotive and travel services to its rapidly expanding membership. Several individual AAA clubs continued their racing involvement at the local level during this period.
AAA and Auto Racing Today
Fast-forward 50 years, as AAA makes its return to auto racing. The motorists' organization is now the “Official Auto Club” at 11 tracks owned or operated by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), and one track owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI), all of which host NASCAR® NEXTEL Cup Series and Indy Racing League® (IRL) events.
“AAA's re-entry to the world of motorsports is an exciting and historic event for our members and for race fans everywhere,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “Our organization was a major force in the growth and development of auto racing during the first half of the 20th century, and we look forward to working with ISC to further extend the enthusiasm and fan base for professional auto racing in the 21st century.”
AAA Escapes NASCAR Packages
AAA Escapes exclusive NASCAR packages offer fans a hotel stay, race tickets, NASCAR–related attraction tickets, select meals and more. Let our AAA specialist help you with all the details.
More Racing, Stats & Safety Information
AAA is the official auto club of 11 International Speedway Corporation (ISC) tracks and one Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) track. See a rundown of all 12 tracks.
Check out AAA’s Racing Safety information to learn all about the safety advances—seat belts being just one of them—that we owe to auto racing and its participants, supporters and visionaries.
At AAA Motorsports, find the latest racing news, 2006 race recaps and results, the 2006 schedule, #6 AAA Team information, archives, maps and the Mark Martin Fan Club.
Check out Mark Martin’s impressive career.