Despite doing remarkably well this season and currently leading in the points standings, you’d think Martin Truex Jr. would already be thinking about the upcoming NASCAR championship and future of his career. You’d think, right? Wrong.
Martin Truex Jr. via Skewcar YouTube
Team owner Joe Gibbs this week asked the same question of Truex after Monday’s win, prompting the driver almost sarcastically to answer whether he’ll retire while on top of the world so to speak, or commit to another season with the team
“He tells me the same thing every year, that I’m right in the middle of trying to make this decision,” said Gibbs. “I go, come on, what are you talking about, man? You’re making money, you’re having fun, you’re driving race cars. Come on.”
Gibbs isn’t the only one who thinks that retiring at this point in his career would be a dumb move.
“The way they’re running, I would be surprised if he retired,” said Truex’s father, who himself is a retired race car driver. “But that’s up to him.”
JGR’s Truex, who has been contemplating retirement for two seasons, confirmed last June he’s returning to the sport. His consideration for retirement seemed plausible last year when the 43-year-old struggled with NASCAR’s new Next Gen stock car, marking his first winless season and playoff miss since 2014.
Truex experienced a career resurgence at Furniture Row Racing, where he won the 2017 championship before it dissolved. After joining Gibbs, he claimed seven victories in his debut season and secured 19 wins, including a triumph at New Hampshire. Despite these successes, Truex admits he’s still unsure about his future.
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“I’m bad at making big decisions,” said the younger Truex. His father has his own theory about his hesitancy to commit however.
“I think it’s just learning these new cars,” said Truex Sr. “It’s a whole new different package. It takes a little time, especially with no practicing. So whoever hits it is gonna look like a superstar.”
Truex, despite not having won in his 19 attempts at the Daytona 500, celebrated two of his most significant career victories this season.
In May at Dover, Truex and his family experienced a momentous win. His younger brother, Ryan, clinched his first NASCAR victory in the Xfinity Series after 188 starts across all three national series. Truex was the first to congratulate Ryan in the victory lane, sharing the joyous occasion with their father. These victories held an extra special place in Truex’s heart.
Do you think Truex Jr. has it in him to commit for another run around the track next year? Let us know in the comments below and across social media.
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