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NASCAR BACK MARKERS
A back marker is a race car running several laps down at the rear of the field. They get little television time and front running drivers complain that the back markers are holding them up. The truth is that many of these drivers have been some of the best in NASCAR. The problem is that they now have less of whatever the front runners have. Often it is equipment, resources or even talent. In other racing venues they could have been the best. But in the competitive field of NASCAR, they are simply back markers. Here are some great photos from our friend Chip Morton of cars you will not likely see at the front of the field on any given Sunday. You may click on the icon of the image to see the larger photo. Feel free to download them for your own use.
The Wisconsin Wonder, Dave Marcis, is one of the greatest racers in NASCAR history. These days, he runs at the rear of the field.
 
Ken Schater is the "poster child" of the back marker bunch. A true journey man racer, Ken is mainly at the back of the field these past few years.
Son of the King, Kyle Petty is no prince, but a pauper in the present day court of NASCAR.

The Number 11 was a glorious ride when Junior Johnson fielded the car. Today, Todd Bodine is usually racing to the rear in the #11.

Gary Bradberry would likely be a fine racer if he did not face the competition of NASCAR. He faces a tough way to go in today's environment.
 
Wally Dallenbach had his best NASCAR career finish of second in the 1993. Since then he has usually been a back marker.
Rick Mast was the only driver to be running at the finish of every single race in 1999. Yet, he finished 32nd in points in 1999. He is still a back marker in NASCAR.
 
Robby Gordon has competed in open-wheel rides, stock cars, road racing and even off-road racing but he is a back marker in NASCAR
Jerry Nadeau is a Connecticut Yankee and road racer who has had little success in NASCAR in the past
four years.
Darrell Waltrip dearly hopes his 2000 "Victory Tour" can produce one more trip to Victory Lane. Likely, he will continue to be a back marker.

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© photographs by Chip Morton