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LOUDON, NH – JULY 17: Martin Truex, Jr 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Reser s Fine Foods Toyota talks to the media after the Crayon 301 on July 17, 2023, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire AUTO: JUL 17 NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Crayon 301 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482230717332201 | Image Credits: Imago
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LOUDON, NH – JULY 17: Martin Truex, Jr 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Reser s Fine Foods Toyota talks to the media after the Crayon 301 on July 17, 2023, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire AUTO: JUL 17 NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Crayon 301 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482230717332201 | Image Credits: Imago
As rain hampered the race on Sunday, the Michigan race finally came to a conclusion on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, the race didn’t lack any drama as Martin Truex Jr and Chris Buescher displayed an intense racing battle. Eventually, it was the latter who came out with flying colors. However, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver wasn’t quite happy with NASCAR as he went on a rant after the race.
There is no doubt that Truex Jr has been one of the best performers in the Cup Series this season. With 799 points on the leaderboard, he is comfortably leading the regular season charts. It could have gotten better had he not finished runner-up on Monday.
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Martin Truex Jr unhappy with NASCAR following his second-place finish in Michigan
Poll of the day
Kyle Larson & HMS Are Planning to Return to Indy 500 Next Year. But Should They?
Yes! It Is Great for NASCAR
No, It Was a Disaster This Time
With 126 laps to be completed on Monday, the stage was perfectly set for an interesting race. After confirming his return for the 2024 season, Martin Truex Jr came into the race with utmost confidence as it has been most part of this campaign. Safe to say, he didn’t disappoint.
While Monday races have turned out to be a blessing for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, the Michigan race was definitely headed in the same direction. Truex Jr performed a stunning run in the dying laps of Stage 2 to register his fifth stage win of the season. Despite taking a pit break, he beat past multiple cars, showcasing the powerful car he had at his disposal.
Of course, his timing and tactics were immaculate but unfortunately, those weren’t enough to beat Chris Buescher in Stage 3. The duo was involved in strong competition in the final stage of the race. The RFK Racing driver built a lead over a long green flag run and was able to hold off Truex Jr’s persistent efforts to overtake him.
This battle between Chris Buescher and Martin Truex Jr. was INTENSE.
In the end, Buescher gets the W. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Rl1vPLe8wz
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 7, 2023
Truly, it was very impressive of Buescher to record his second consecutive victory of the 2023 season. While he was delighted with that, the same cannot be said of Truex Jr. After the race, when he was asked about the difference that decided the outcome of the race, he had a 6-word reply.
Martin Truex says passing the leader is next to impossible on equal tires and said it was just clean air pic.twitter.com/QApo2sUcPu
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) August 7, 2023
The 43-year-old said, “Passing the leader is nearly impossible, on equal tires and fuel.” Truex Jr stressed how equal tires and clean air were equally responsible for helping Buescher’s cause. However, he clarified that it is how the nature of the track was and more so because of the package from NASCAR.
Read More | Martin Truex Jr. Leaves JGR Member Out To Dry After Failing To Conquer Michigan in 33rd Attempt
It was difficult for Truex Jr to digest the loss to a Ford despite having the best car on the track. Nevertheless, it was a delightful race. The fans certainly loved it.
“How horrible”: Martin Truex Jr and Chris Buescher make fans go wild
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From a neutral perspective, the Michigan race was a thoroughly entertaining race. Especially with the competitive racing between Chris Buescher and Martin Truex Jr, NASCAR racing couldn’t have looked more beautiful. It is for such races that the fans live for.
It's back-to-back victories for Chris Buescher as he wins Michigan over Martin Truex Jr. and gives Ford yet ANOTHER victory there.
What an incredible resurgence for RFK Racing!
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) August 7, 2023
After the race, fans went gaga about the racing witnessed. Plenty of them expressed their happiness on social media as some hailed Truex Jr for a clean yet thrilling on-track competition.
“Good race, but also an example of how horrible this setup package is. Truex was way faster than Buescher, but the setup made it impossible to pass the leader. Also, the package essentially rules out all of the Chevys from being competitive. There is no parity right now.”
“What a god damn race”
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“Nascar needs to fix this car. You can’t pass unless you are 2 seconds a lap faster. 19 was way faster it’s just impossible”
“That may be race of the year right there. These cars are so good on the 2 mile ovals.”
“That was the cleanest and most incredible racing for the lead I’ve seen all year!”
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Hearing such positive comments must definitely come as a respite for NASCAR. Also, Truex Jr must be heavily credited for it, given how his smart racing kept everyone on the edge of their seats. It only makes it interesting to see how he finishes the remaining three races in the regular season.
Watch This Story | Martin Truex Jr Blamed Denny Hamlin for Losing to Ross Chastain on the Radio