Despite his retirement, nearly all NASCAR fans knew Martin Truex Jr. was all set to make his return to the sport, if just for one race, at the Daytona 500. It was just a matter of what team he would drive for. With Tricon Garage finalized, it’s time to take a look at the man who will work as crew chief for the former NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

Who is Cole Pearn?

Cole R. Pearn, born on October 13, 1982, in Ontario, Canada, is a familiar name to NASCAR fans, especially those who followed the career of Martin Truex Jr. The Canadian-born crew chief is widely regarded as one of the sport’s best, having led Truex to a Cup Series championship in 2017. Pearn’s career is a testament to hard work, talent, and a unique journey into the world of stock car racing.

Before making his mark as a crew chief, Pearn was a competitive driver, winning three Canadian Go-Kart Championships and the prestigious Great Canadian 300 in 2006. He also competed in the CASCAR Super Series (now known as the NASCAR Pinty’s Series). He ran 27 races from 2001 to 2003, where he honed his racing skills. His best finish was 14th. Eventually, Pearn shifted from the driver’s seat to the pit box, where his engineering acumen would take him to the pinnacle of NASCAR success.

From Go-Karting to NASCAR Crew Chief: The Many Feathers of Cole Pearn

Pearn’s journey to NASCAR was not your typical path. A native of Canada, his love for racing began at a young age, competing in go-karts, where he won multiple championships. His impressive skills as a kart racer led him to stock car racing, where he competed in the CASCAR series. After a few years, Pearn moved to North Carolina, the heart of NASCAR, where his career really took off.

In 2007, he joined Richard Childress Racing as an engineer for Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 car. This marked the beginning of his rise through the NASCAR ranks. However, it was in 2010 when Pearn joined Furniture Row Racing (FRR), a team that had been struggling in the NASCAR Cup Series. With Pearn’s expertise, Furniture Row turned things around, becoming a serious contender. In 2015, Pearn was promoted to crew chief for Martin Truex Jr.’s No. 78 team, making him the first Canadian to hold a full-time crew chief role in NASCAR’s premier series.

Under Pearn’s leadership, Truex experienced a remarkable transformation. The duo won eight races in 2017, including the Cup Series championship, and continued to dominate for several years.

Pearn became known as a strategic mastermind, helping to turn a small, underfunded team into a championship powerhouse. Then in 2019, Pearn and Truex moved to Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 team following Furniture Row Racing’s shutdown after the 2018 season.

At the end of the 2019 season, after a P2 finish for MTJ, Pearn left Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and NASCAR entirely to focus on his personal life, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. While many assumed Pearn’s racing days were behind him, his passion for the sport never truly faded.

Cole Pearn Set to Reunite with Martin Truex Jr. for the Daytona 500

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In a surprise announcement, Pearn is returning to the pit box to team up with Martin Truex Jr. once again—this time for the 2025 Daytona 500. The duo will join Tricon Garage, a team making its first Cup Series attempt, with the No. 56 Toyota. The number is significant for Truex, as it’s the same one he raced under at Michael Waltrip Racing from 2010 to 2013 (144 starts, 1 win). Truex’s long-time sponsor, Bass Pro Shops, will also return to back the effort. Joe Gibbs Racing will provide technical support.

Truex expressed his excitement about reuniting with Pearn: “It’s going to be a really cool deal to be able to work with Cole and have the number 56 again. I really appreciate everyone at Bass Pro Shops, Tricon, and Toyota for helping put this together to go have some fun.” For the team at Tricon Garage, this marks their first Cup Series entry, and having Truex and Pearn in their corner certainly adds credibility to their Daytona 500 bid.

Although this is a one-off race for now, the partnership between Truex and Pearn has already created a buzz. The two had an extremely successful run together at Furniture Row Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, with 24 of Truex’s 34 career Cup Series victories coming under Pearn’s guidance. With Pearn’s expertise and Truex’s talent, it’s no surprise that NASCAR fans are excited about the potential for this reunion.

Still, because Tricon does not have a charter, MTJ will have to qualify in the top 40 to be part of the race. That should be a walk in the park for Truex Jr. Especially with the extra motivation of having Pearn on the team.

Does Cole Pearn’s Unretiring Himself Imply His Return to NASCAR Tracks?

While it’s clear that Pearn’s reunion with Truex for the Daytona 500 is a significant event, the bigger question remains: will this be a one-time gig or the start of a full-time return to NASCAR? Pearn has always been an outlier in the NASCAR world, making career decisions based on personal priorities rather than the typical racing schedule. His departure from NASCAR in 2019 was largely motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his young children.

He had once said, “I want to be there for all the things that my kids are going to experience while they are still young. I love racing and there isn’t a better place to be than Joe Gibbs Racing, but I don’t want to look back in 20 years and think about everything I missed with my wife and kids while I was gone. They are what is most important to me.” So it’s unlikely he’ll give this up for racing.

In interviews, Pearn has spoken about his reluctance to live in North Carolina for long periods, given his deep connection to the outdoors in Colorado and Canada. He had hinted at returning to his roots, and his decision to step away from NASCAR seemed to align with those values. However, his return for the Daytona 500 suggests that his relationship with racing is far from over. So we never know! Pearn’s move to Tricon Garage could also signify a potential change in how he interacts with the sport. While it’s unclear if this means he will return to full-time crew chief duties, it’s evident that Pearn’s expertise still holds significant value in the NASCAR world. His deep knowledge of race strategy, engineering, and team management makes him a sought-after figure, even in a part-time capacity. Must have gotten offers from many teams!

It’s also worth noting that Pearn’s return is not just about nostalgia. Truex’s performance has noticeably dipped since Pearn’s departure. Except for maybe 2021, the other four seasons have been mediocre. And many fans believe that the former crew chief’s return could bring out the best in the veteran driver. Whether this partnership continues beyond the Daytona 500 remains to be seen.

For Pearn, racing may no longer be the everyday grind it once was, but his strategic mind and knack for success on the track are undeniably valuable. Whether it’s a return to the NASCAR circuit full-time or just for select races, it’s clear that Cole Pearn’s legacy in the sport is far from over.