Letter from Mark Martin

Martin expresses his thanks DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 1998)

(Editor's Note: This letter was received from Mark Martin expressing his gratitude to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series fans and media for their thoughts, prayers and support for him and his family following the recent death of his father Julian, stepmother Shelley and half-sister Sarah in a private airplane accident.)

To the Editor;

On behalf of my family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the last few weeks. The overwhelming loss of my father, Shelley and Sarah will be with us for a long time, but all of the cards, flowers, letters, words of encouragement and donations to Motor Racing Outreach have helped us realize that we are not alone.

The competitors, sponsors, officials and especially the fans have been a tremendous source of strength for my entire family.

I know we will never be able to respond to each person that has touched our lives with their thoughts and prayers, so I hope this letter will let them know how much we appreciate their kindness. Arlene, Matt and I cannot express how truly grateful we are to have such wonderful friends in the garage and in the grandstands.

Simply saying "thank you" hardly seems appropriate in return for what you have given us. May God bless each one of you, and please know how much your support means to us.

Sincerely, Mark Martin Daytona Beach, Fla.

Source: NASCAR Online