Marlin advanced to part-time rides on the NASCAR Grand National circuit, starting with one race in 1966 and three in 1967.

He ran more of the schedule as the series changed from Grand National to Winston Cup, but he never competed in more than 23 races in any season.

[1] Marlin died in his hometown of Columbia, Tennessee, on August 14, 2005, of lung cancer at the age of 73.

Shortly after Marlin's death, his son Sterling was in negotiations with MB2 Motorsports to drive the team's second car for 2006.

14 is now run by Chase Briscoe, his owner and former driver Tony Stewart who chose the number for his own race team in honor of AJ Foyt, a childhood hero of his.