Mark Martin Reacts to Jade Avedisian’s Memorable Win at New Smyrna

In the world of motorsports, respect is earned on the track, lap by lap. But when a verifiable legend goes out of their way to publicly applaud a newcomer, the rest of the racing world sits up and pays attention.

That is exactly what is happening with 19-year-old rising star Jade Avedisian following her breakout performance at New Smyrna Speedway.

The transition from dirt tracks to asphalt is notoriously difficult—it has chewed up and spit out plenty of talented drivers over the years.

Yet, Avedisian is making it look deceptively natural. Her recent victory didn’t just earn her a trophy; it earned her the validation of NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, sparking a conversation that suggests we might be looking at the sport’s next major female superstar.

1. Jade Avedisian’s first Super Late Model win

Let’s talk about what actually went down in Florida. The World Series of Asphalt is a grueling stretch of racing, and it’s not exactly the place where you expect a rookie to walk in and dominate immediately. Avedisian entered the event with very limited experience in a Super Late Model car. These heavy, high-horsepower machines behave very differently than the midget cars she has piloted to fame on dirt tracks. Despite the steep learning curve, Avedisian parked her car in victory lane on Night Two. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. By holding off seasoned competitors on an unforgiving track, she proved that her car control—honed on slippery dirt ovals—translates perfectly to the precision required for asphalt racing. This victory serves as a pivotal moment in her career, signaling that her spot in the Toyota driver development program is well-deserved. Social media can be a noisy place, but when Mark Martin speaks, racing fans listen. Martin, known for being one of the most technically gifted drivers in the history of the sport, didn’t mince words after seeing Avedisian’s performance. He took to the internet to state simply: “This girl can drive a race car. It’s going to be fun to watch her continuing progress.” For a young driver, this kind of praise is invaluable. Martin isn’t known for handing out participation trophies. His endorsement validates Avedisian’s raw talent to an audience that might not follow dirt racing closely. It bridges the gap between her grassroots background and the mainstream NASCAR fanbase. When Martin says someone has potential, it confirms that the hype isn’t just marketing—it’s based on legitimate skill.

2. The Dirt-to-Asphalt Pipeline

To understand why this is such a big deal, you have to look at the history of drivers attempting this crossover. We’ve seen legends like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Larson move from dirt to stock cars with massive success. However, for every success story, there are a dozen drivers who couldn’t figure out the heavier stock cars. Avedisian is attempting to follow in those massive footsteps. Her background requires her to drive by “feel,” sensing the grip levels changing on a dirt surface. Applying that instinct to the Super Late Model, as noted by several motorsports analysts, is rare for someone with such limited seat time. Her adaptability is her greatest asset right now. If she can continue to learn at this pace, her trajectory through the NASCAR ranks could be much faster than anyone anticipated.

3. What’s Next: The 2026 Schedule

So, where can you watch her next? Avedisian isn’t resting on her laurels. Her 2026 calendar is packed, designed specifically to get her the seat time she needs to mature as a driver. She is set to compete full-time in the ASA STARS National Tour. This is a serious commitment, and she will be hunting down the Rookie of the Year title. It’s a touring series that will expose her to different tracks and different driving styles, which is essential education for any future Cup Series hopeful. Additionally, she will be running a partial schedule in the ARCA Menards Series with Nitro Motorsports. ARCA is often viewed as the direct stepping stone to NASCAR’s top three series. Racing there will put her in heavier cars on bigger tracks, further testing her versatility. Avedisian isn’t alone in this surge of talent, but she is certainly leading the charge right now. Along with peers like Isabella Robusto, Avedisian represents a shift in the sport. We aren’t just seeing women participate; we are seeing them contend for wins and championships. The narrative is shifting from “it’s great to see a female driver” to “watch out for that car in turn four.” That shift is vital for the health of the sport. With the backing of Toyota, the skills to win on asphalt, and the stamp of approval from legends like Mark Martin, Jade Avedisian is no longer just a prospect. She’s a contender. The 2026 season is going to be a fascinating watch. Every race in the ASA STARS and ARCA series will provide a new test, but if New Smyrna was any indication, Avedisian is more than ready for the challenge.

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