“That Won’t be the Determining Factor”- 1999 Cup Champ Opens Up on Joe Gibbs Racing Superstar’s Biggest Dilemma After Complicated Admission

Monday’s postponed race was indeed a feel-good finish for ardent racing and Joe Gibbs Racing fans. While the Toyotas fell behind at Atlanta’s high-speed lanes with Denny Hamlin being the sole driver for the Japanese manufacturer in the top 15, the past race at New Hampshire was a total domination for Hamlin’s JGR teammate. 42-year-old Martin Truex Jr won his first-ever race at NHMS, bringing the Toyotas back to the front and adding another feather to the Truex family’s hat.

However, soon after his dominating win, leading 254 laps out of the 301 laps, NASCAR nation actively dived into another debate, speculating on the veteran’s retirement. Reflecting on the community’s intense speculation, 1999 Winston Cup champion and NBC NASCAR analyst Dale Jarrett joined in with his own take. Unlike most enthusiasts who cite Truex Jr.’s retirement without mentioning his current streak, the 3-time Daytona 500 winner, Jarrett, is almost certain about the “determining factor.”

Veteran Dale Jarrett on Martin Truex Jr’s plight at Joe Gibbs Racing

For the young fans out there, Dale Jarrett may not be your moderate 60-year-old guy. The man is a certified legend of the sport, having racked up wins at almost every coveted track for close to 24 years. His age and experience alone speak volumes about his capabilities. Reacting to the recent happenings after Crayon 301, the Hall of Famer shared his thoughts about Truex Jr.’s plans, giving the community more reliable insights.

Speaking to Nate Ryan on the NASCAR on NBC podcast, though the veteran is familiar with Truex Jr. given their personal interactions, Jarrett revealed the obvious, saying, “I’ve really enjoyed talking to Martin Truex Jr about racing, about life in general and what it’s like you know the other things he likes to do away from the racetrack and he enjoys that a lot so it’s hard to say, I dont think that just because he’s winning again now that certainly you want to be able to do that, that won’t be the determining factor of whether he comes back or not.” 

In fact, the 66-year-old is almost certain that money won’t be the factor that prompts the 42-year-old to return to the track, saying, “I mean Joe Gibbs has the opportunity to throw a lot of money at him and convince you know that’s not the line, the way we’re going about this.” But Jarrett also revealed Joe Gibbs as the only one to convince Truex Jr. to make a comeback if this is indeed his last season. 

READ MORE: “The Secret Is Out” – Amid Martin Truex Jr’s Retirement Scare, Joe Gibbs Could Be Set to Welcome Back Former Driver

Unlike Truex Jr who won the 2017 title, veteran Jarrett was just about his age when he won his championship. This prompted the old timer to say, “There’s no doubt in my mind that if he could convince himself and keep those thoughts out of his head and obviously able to keep winning along the way that he could do this and possibly win 1, 2 or 3 more championships.

“This sport….. takes a big commitment” – Martin Jr opens up about NASCAR

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After the race, the attention for obvious reasons was on the JGR driver. Reclaiming his #1 spot and adding his third win of the season was great but what was spectacular was the driver’s achievement on his home track. Despite clinching the 2017 title, the driver had to wait almost 18 years before picking up the sought-after home track win.

With that said and done, the question remaining now was whether this be his last season. To that, the driver himself revealed his dilemma. Citing the brutal nature of the sport, he said, “I don’t know. I’m not sure. You know, I was talking out there to Claire, and I was like, This sport isn’t all exactly what it appears to be sometimes. It takes a big commitment.” 

WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin confesses having a disagreement with JGR member after falling victim to HMS star 

Though the driver would like to sail into the sunset after winning another title, the humble veteran credited his JGR #19 team. “My team is amazing. They deserve the very best driver, the guy that wants it more than anyone else, and I’ve been that guy. And I want to make sure that if I come back, I’m willing to do that. It takes a lot. It’s not just show up at the track, drive the car, go home. It takes a lot. It takes a lot of commitment. It’s a lot of travel. A lot of time missing things with family and friends and all those things that I’ve done for 25 years.”

While the driver is honest about his dilemma, sharing his doubts. As fans let us hope to catch the veteran in the #19 Toyota for a few more years or at least for the next season.