Marks learned different setup techniques from Jackson, too, and since the workload mostly required driving, Marks had more time to spend with his family.
“It allowed me to sit down and reevaluate some different things and think about some stuff,” Marks said. “I got a little bit of a different feel driving (for CJB Motorsports) and feel like I grew in that little over a year period as a driver.”
When 2021 rolled around, Marks committed to running the All Star Circuit of Champions with CJB Motorsports, but one podium finish during the first three months of the season forced Marks to rethink his trajectory.
“Things just didn’t go that well between us and the car owner,” Marks said. “We just had to make a decision. We decided to part ways and let them rebuild their program, find new guys and have them contend for the All Star championship. That way I can get back in my car, work on it, and do the best I can.
“There was some stuff I wanted to try while I was on the Outlaws tour, but it’s hard to try different things when you’re racing for points. … I never really pulled the trigger or had enough guts to do it, whatever you want to say,” Marks added. “I figured this would be a perfect opportunity, one I’ve always wanted to try. … I felt right now was a really good time to do that.”
What goes into abruptly bringing back a race team that’s been idle for two years? Well, Marks didn’t have to go out and buy much, let alone assemble a whole lot to get things up and running again.
He’d kept his resources intact over the past two years in case there was an opportunity to rekindle his race team. Besides, Marks has always maintained a clean, organized operation. It is his nature and a skill learned along the way.
Throughout Marks’ childhood, Jeffrey Marks allowed his son to freely use the internet. He wanted his son to educate himself on his dreams of becoming a race car driver.
“There were no wrong things on his web search, if you know what I mean,” Jeffrey Marks said. “It was all racing, racing, racing. That’s all he’s ever done. That’s all he’s ever had. He’s one dedicated young man.”
Brent Marks also has an electrical engineering degree from YTI Career Institute. Before he embarked on a full-time racing career with the World of Outlaws in 2017, he worked as a service technician.
It was a fastidious job, the place where Marks learned precision through the maintenance of high-powered medical equipment such as sterilizers and steam generators.
Marks’ father, meanwhile, has operated a collision center, T.J.’s Body Shop, for more than 40 years. The business is financially attached to the Marks family race team, but it’s nowhere to be found on the car.
“I don’t need the business on the car,” Jeffrey Marks said. “We’ve never been a family that’s been out in the open. The business supports the team and that’s all that matters.”
M&M Painting and Construction, plus BAPS paints, are loyal supporters of Marks and the family’s racing endeavors.
M&M Painting and Construction owners Al and Allen Murray wanted to sponsor a race team close to where they grew up in Reading, Pa.
The Marks family, having grown up in Lebanon, Pa., got connected with the Murrays in the early years of their sprint car program. They’ve followed the Marks’ since.
As for BAPS paints, Jeffrey Marks is a regular customer of the business, which has sponsored Brent Marks since his karting years.
Such security and financial backing allow Marks to make his own decisions.
For the rest of this year, Marks will continue to build depth in his racing program and chase big-money races. If the resources and personnel fit the bill, a return to the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is on the horizon.
“As long as he gets the right people to go with him,” Jeffrey Marks said. “The finances are there for him. The question is: Does he do that, or does he continue to chase the money again like he did this year?
“It’s not dad and Brent’s team, it’s Brent’s team,” Jeffrey Marks added. “When he wanted to go out on the World of Outlaws (in 2017), I handed him the rig and said, ‘Here you go, you’re on your own.’ I support him that way. … He makes all the decisions.”