Martin began his racing career at the age of 15 in his home state of Arkansas. Competing on dirt tracks, he won in only his third start and that same year – 1974 – won the Arkansas State Championship. In 1976, Martin left his dirt days behind and moved to pavement racetracks.

In 1977, Martin started competing in the American Speed Association (ASA). He earned rookie of the year honors that year and went on to win the championship the following three seasons.

The 1981 racing season saw Martin move into NASCAR's elite series and make five Sprint Cup Series starts in which he earned two pole positions and two top-10 finishes. The following year, in his first full-time schedule, he recorded eight top-10 finishes. Unable to continue funding his own team, Martin was forced to auction off his equipment and race for a variety of owners before returning to ASA competition from 1984-1986. He won his fourth ASA championship in 1986.

The thrill of NASCAR called again in 1987, and Martin agreed to drive a full Nationwide Series schedule. He earned three victories that season, which piqued the interest of car owner Jack Roush. In 1988, Martin and Roush joined forces, forging a working relationship that lasted 19 years.

Martin has finished second in the Sprint Cup Series standings four times, missing his first championship in 1990 by a mere 26 points. He has finished 12th or better in 17 of 20 full Cup seasons.

While making a name for himself in Cup competition, Martin was setting records in the Nationwide Series. Though he's recorded just one full season of Nationwide competition – 1987 – Martin holds the record for most wins (48) and most poles (30). In 2006, motor sports media acknowledged his accomplishments by naming him the greatest Nationwide Series driver of all-time.

Following the 2006 season, Martin committed only to a part-time Sprint Cup schedule. He was ready to spend more time at home in Daytona Beach, Fla., with his wife Arlene and son Matt.

In the two years that followed, Martin competed in 48 Sprint Cup Series races, earning seven top-five finishes and 19 top-10s. He also became a mentor for rookie drivers.

In 2007, Martin made his first Nationwide start for Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet led by crew chief Alan Gustafson. Martin finished second in that race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, impressing team owner Rick Hendrick. Martin went on to earn his first win for Hendrick driving the No. 5 JR Motorsports Nationwide entry at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2008.

Hendrick’s admiration grew for Martin's on-track skills as well as the NASCAR veteran's ability to motivate and inspire his crew members. Martin's talent was one that Hendrick Motorsports was not ready to let pass by.

In July 2008, Martin announced that he would return to full-time Sprint Cup competition and drive the No. 5 Chevrolets for Hendrick Motorsports. He is now teammates with Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Martin will pilot the No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolets in 2010.

A healthy lifestyle advocate, Martin spends much of his free time on his extensive physical fitness regimen. He is a licensed pilot, flying to and from racetracks around the country, and a successful businessman. In addition to other interests, he owns a pair of Arkansas automobile dealerships, located in Melbourne and his hometown of Batesville.