Throughout the 2024 NASCAR season, Ken Martin, the director of historical content for the sanctioning body, will recommend historical races from the NASCAR Classics library that fans should watch in preparation for each upcoming race weekend.
Martin has been exclusively with NASCAR since 2008, but his involvement with the sport dates back to 1982. Overseeing various projects, he has worked in the broadcast booth for hundreds of races, including calculating the “points as they run” for the historic 1992 finale, the Hooters 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Below are Ken’s picks to watch before this weekend’s Iowa Corn 350 Powered By Ethanol at Iowa Speedway.
1996 NASCAR Thunder Suzuka Special
NASCAR ventured overseas to Suzuka, Japan, for an exhibition race featuring 27 drivers from various backgrounds, including four Japanese drivers. NASCAR stars like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, and the 1996 Cup Series champion, Terry Labonte, participated.
CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. drove a No. 45 car for Felix Sabates, while Mike Skinner, the 1995 Truck Series titleholder, was in the No. 31 car for Richard Childress.
Tragically, pace-car driver and former competitor Elmo Langley suffered a fatal heart attack while in Japan. Despite the somber start, the race saw Wallace, Gordon, and Labonte leading the pack, with Wallace ultimately winning by leading 84 of the 100 laps.
1997 NASCAR Thunder Suzuka Special
In 1997, NASCAR returned to Japan, this time using rain tires in practice and qualifying for the first time. The event saw new entries, including Mark Martin, Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie, and Truck Series champion Jack Sprague.
Bobby Hamilton debuted in the No. 4 car for Morgan McClure Motorsports, and Kenny Irwin Jr. took over the No. 28 car from Ernie Irvan.
Wallace, the previous year’s champion, faced mechanical issues early on, while Martin led the first 45 laps. Skinner eventually led the final 23 laps to secure victory, with Martin finishing second.
1998 NASCAR Thunder Special Motegi
The third and final Japan exhibition race moved to the Twin Ring Motegi Speedway, an oval in Motegi City, Japan. This race marked the first time Dale Earnhardt and his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced against each other.
Dale Earnhardt drove his No. 3 car with a Coca-Cola scheme, while his son drove a black No. 1 car. Robert Yates Racing’s No. 88 car, typically driven by Dale Jarrett, was driven by Darrell Waltrip due to Jarrett’s health issues.
The race featured all three NASCAR champions from the 1998 season: Jeff Gordon, Earnhardt Jr., and Ron Hornaday Jr.
With numerous cautions and mechanical issues, Skinner emerged victorious again, crossing the finish line ahead of Gordon. Earnhardt Jr. finished sixth, two spots ahead of his father.
These races offer a nostalgic look back at unique and memorable moments in NASCAR history, perfect for gearing up for the Iowa Corn 350.
