Truex Jr and Cole Pearn to JGR

Martin Truex Jr.

The following is a statement from Furniture Row Racing team owner Barney Visser about today’s announcement that driver Martin Truex Jr. and crew chief Cole Pearn will join Joe Gibbs Racing after the 2018 season.

“I want to personally thank Martin and Cole for their contributions in making Furniture Row Racing a championship-caliber team. There’s no doubt in my mind that they will continue to be a winning driver/crew chief combination with Joe Gibbs Racing. They are outstanding representatives for NASCAR and I am proud to have been associated with them. But before Martin and Cole depart for a new endeavor we still have two races remaining, and hopefully we will be celebrating another championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway."

Joe Gibbs Racing today formally confirmed that Martin Truex Jr. will join the team in ’19, announcing the move more than two months after it began negotiations with him. No sponsorship was confirmed in JGR’s announcement, but sources say Bass Pro Shops and Auto-Owners Insurance are expected to join Truex at the No. 19 Toyota from Furniture Row Racing.

Truex is replacing rising driver Daniel Suarez of Mexico, who has been touted as NASCAR’s best current chance to grow its popularity with Hispanics. Suarez is in talks to leave the Toyota camp and join Stewart-Haas Racing with its No. 41 Ford.