Martin Truex Jr. is back in the NASCAR spotlight, but this time it’s in a new role. After announcing his retirement from full-time racing at the end of the 2023 season, Truex shocked fans and industry insiders alike with the news that he would be returning to the sport earlier than expected—not behind the wheel, but as a team owner.
In an exclusive interview, Truex opened up about his decision to come out of retirement and transition to this new chapter of his career. “I knew it wasn’t the end for me in NASCAR,” Truex shared. “Retirement just didn’t feel right. But I also knew that I wanted to step away from racing for a bit and take a breather. Over the months I spent away, I realized I still had a passion for the sport, and I wanted to stay involved, just in a different way.”
The 43-year-old veteran, who won the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series championship and has 31 career victories, spoke about how his desire to give back to the sport motivated his early return. “I’ve been so fortunate to have had the career that I did,” he continued. “But I’ve learned so much along the way, and now I want to help younger drivers and be involved in shaping the future of NASCAR.”
Truex has partnered with a group of investors to form his own racing team, which will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2025. The team will operate under the name Truex Racing, with Truex serving as the principal owner and overseeing all operations, from team management to driver development. He will not be racing but will be heavily involved in the strategic aspects of the team.
“Creating Truex Racing is a way for me to use my experience to help bring up new talent and provide opportunities for drivers who might not otherwise get the chance,” Truex explained. “NASCAR has been a big part of my life for so long, and I want to continue contributing in meaningful ways.”
As for the drivers who will join his team, Truex teased that some exciting announcements are in the works. “We’ve been in talks with a few drivers and crew members, and we’re very close to locking in our lineup,” he said. “It’s going to be a fresh start for everyone involved, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
While Truex’s early return to NASCAR may have caught some off guard, his passion for the sport and his desire to make a difference are evident. Fans of the veteran driver are eager to see how his new venture will unfold, and Truex’s entry into the team ownership world is set to add another exciting layer to his NASCAR legacy.
