After having a terrific regular season, things haven’t quite gone in favor of Martin Truex Jr. Coming into the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was a favorite to win the championship. However, his run in the Round of 16 stated otherwise. In fact, it has only worsened after what happened in Texas.
It is no secret that Truex Jr. has been in terrific form this season. Having said that, due to technical issues, the #19 driver has struggled in the playoffs. A similar case was witnessed on Sunday as he launched an attack on Joe Gibbs and his team.
Martin Truex Jr loses his cool after a disappointing performance at the Texas Motor Speedway
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The fact that Martin Truex Jr won the 2023 NASCAR regular championship speaks volumes about his form this season. He has not only driven aggressively, but also stepped up at the right moment. While that has been a key to his success, it hasn’t quite worked out for him in the playoffs.
After a poor performance in the Round of 16, Truex Jr. came pretty close to elimination. While he survived, the onus was on him to bounce back to his best in the Round of 12. Unfortunately, his team’s struggles look unlikely to come to an end anytime soon.
A stack-up at the end of Stage 1 is what sent @MartinTruex_Jr spinning in the corner! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/u8oT4Yfov5
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 24, 2023
At the end of Stage 1, a stack-up saw Truex Jr spinning in the corner. The 2017 Cup Series champion was turned by Brad Keselowski while entering Turn 1. As a result, the JGR driver limped on the inside of the track with a right rear tire flat.
While he recovered from the spinning, he never really had the pace to put up a strong fight. In fact, he looked quite frustrated with his team’s efforts as he lashed out a dig at Joe Gibbs on the radio. Truex Jr. said, “There is no f***ing reason we should be back there; 20-second pit stops and a sh**ty car.”
“There is no f***ing reason we should be back there; 20 second pit stops and a sh**ty car.”
Martin Truex Jr.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) September 24, 2023
In fact, he looked terribly disappointed with the efforts as he exasperated, “We are pathetic”.
Understandably, even the fans voiced out their frustration at Joe Gibbs and his team.
NASCAR fans slam Joe Gibbs and the team as they voice in favor of Truex Jr
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For the first 26 races, Martin Truex Jr. raced immensely well with utmost consistency. While the Joe Gibbs Racing team looked impressive then, their form took a massive dip coming into the playoffs. It has not only hampered Truex Jr.’s progress, but has also left him handicapped more often than not.
“We are pathetic.”
Martin Truex Jr.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) September 24, 2023
After a poor performance at the Texas Motor Speedway, fans were livid at Joe Gibbs and his team. Naturally, they vented out their frustration on social media with some blunt comments.
“He ain’t lying!”
“JGR is sleeping today. With Talladega and the Roval coming up, it will be though.”
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“He should be mad. Team hasn’t giving him anything since playoffs started!”
“Ty Gibbs Racing has given the good equipment to Hamlin and Wallace. Truex should be upset… with the car owner not the crew chief.”
WATCH THIS STORY: $3.6 Billion Tire Company’s Blunder Cost Martin Truex Jr. His Shot at Another Title
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“A few drivers and crews forgot how to do their jobs today I believe”
Understandably, the fans had every right to be unhappy. After having recovered his position in the Cup Series table, the result in Texas puts Truex Jr. in a difficult position once again. It is time Joe Gibbs took stricter actions so as to present the #19 driver with a decent chance to challenge for the title.