Martin Truex Jr. is set to hang up his full-time racing helmet at the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, but not before one last dance on the high banks of Phoenix Raceway. As the curtain draws on a remarkable career that saw him take 33 race wins, 24 pole positions, and one Cup Series championship (2017), Truex has been taking time to reflect on the journey, especially his later years with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).

In a heartfelt conversation with Alex Weaver, the 44-year-old opened up about how this legendary team played a pivotal role in elevating his storied career and what lies ahead in his life beyond the track.

A journey of growth and gratitude with Joe Gibbs Racing

Martin Truex Jr.’s NASCAR career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. From his early days with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to the peak of winning a championship with Furniture Row Racing, Truex has seen it all. But when Furniture Row shut down in 2018, it seemed like his career might be heading for an abrupt turn. Enter Joe Gibbs Racing, who offered Truex a lifeline, handing him the keys to the No. 19 Toyota Camry for the 2019 season.

“Driving for Coach Gibbs, it’s been an incredible experience,” Truex Jr. shared in a recent interview with Weaver. “I’ve learned so much over the last few years. I’ve raced alongside some of the best competitors in the sport, and being part of JGR’s legacy is something really special. I’ve been fortunate to win races, compete for championships, and, most importantly, to do it all with an amazing team.”

Truex didn’t waste any time making his mark at JGR. In his first season with the team, he racked up seven victories, including marquee wins at the Coca-Cola 600 and Martinsville. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, making it to the Championship 4 in 2019 and finishing as the runner-up to teammate Kyle Busch.

But it wasn’t just the wins that made his time at JGR memorable. Truex speaks highly of the culture and the camaraderie within the team, especially the freedom he was given to be himself. “At the end of the day, them allowing me to kind of go out on my own terms and do things my way was just really important and really special to me,” he said. “I feel really lucky to have had such a great place to work these last few years with so many good people around me.”

The partnership between Martin Truex Jr. and Joe Gibbs Racing has been marked by consistent success. Despite facing challenges like the sudden retirement of his long-time crew chief Cole Pearn in 2020, Truex adjusted to new crew chief James Small and continued to be a competitive force. He added 17 wins (and counting hopefully) to JGR’s already illustrious record, proving that he’s one of the sport’s most versatile and consistent drivers.

From his dominance on short tracks like Martinsville to road course masterclasses at Sonoma, Truex has truly left an indelible mark on NASCAR. For Joe Gibbs Racing, having Truex in their stable of drivers stood to only solidify their status as one of NASCAR’s premier teams even further. They’ve been able to count on him not just for race wins but for his experience, leadership, and sheer determination. As he steps away from full-time racing, Truex leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, adaptability, and a never-say-die attitude.

Embracing retirement: “Fruits of Labor” and life beyond racing

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While many expected Martin Truex Jr. to stay in the game for a few more seasons, the 44-year-old has decided that 2024 will be his swan song as a full-time driver. So, why now? For Truex, it’s a mix of wanting to savor the simpler things in life and acknowledging the toll that nearly two decades of relentless competition have taken on him.

“I’ve been racing pretty much nonstop since high school. That’s with over 30 races a year” Truex explained. “I’m ready to step back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. That means more time fishing, hunting, and just enjoying life away from the track. I’ve missed out on a lot of things over the years — birthdays, family gatherings, just regular life stuff — and I’m excited to catch up on that.”

But don’t expect TruexJr. to disappear completely from the NASCAR world. True to his competitive spirit, he hinted that we haven’t seen the last of him behind the wheel. “I’m still going to do some racing here and there,” he said with a grin. “I love this sport too much to walk away entirely. But it’ll be nice to do it on my own terms, without the grind of a full season.”

Truex Jr.’s decision to step back is a reminder of the sacrifices that come with being at the top level of motorsport. From the outside, the life of a NASCAR driver seems glamorous, but it’s a relentless schedule that leaves little room for anything else. The 44-year-old has consistently been one of the most successful drivers of the past decade and is choosing to hit the brakes, quite literally, to focus on what matters most to him now.

As he gears up for his final full-time race at Phoenix, the No. 19 team is pulling out all the stops to send their veteran driver off in style. While a second Cup Series championship might not be in the cards, Truex Jr. remains optimistic about the future. “We’ve had a great run, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had in this sport, and I’m excited to see what’s next,” he reflected.

Knowing when it’s time to enjoy the ride — both on and off the track is very important to Martin so as he prepares to cross the finish line of his full-time NASCAR career, fans and fellow drivers alike are left to celebrate a journey that’s been filled with heart, grit, and plenty of checkered flags that flew across more than two decades.