NASCAR News: Martin Truex Sr. dies at 66

Martin Truex Sr., (pictured) a former racer and father of 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and multi-time NASCAR Xfinity Series race winner Ryan Truex, has passed away at the age of 66.

On Friday evening, the Truex family put out a joint statement from Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, and Marsha McVey.

“We are devastated by the loss of our father (Martin Truex Sr.),” the statement began. “Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”

Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, Marsha McVey, and the Truex family statement:

“We are devastated by the loss of our father (Martin Truex Sr.). Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”

— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) January 17, 2025

A native of Mayetta, New Jersey, papa Truex. was a formidable racer in his own right. Truex competed in 15 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series (now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series) events over the course of nine seasons. Truex’s best finish in 15 starts in the series was a 12th-place effort at Nazareth in 1994.

The Friday announcement of Truex Sr.’s passing came one day after Truex Jr., who retired from full-time competition at the end of the season, announced he will enter next month’s Daytona 500 with TRICON Garage as the team attempts to make its Cup Series debut.

Truex Jr. will pilot the No. 56 Toyota Camry XSE in collaboration between TRICON and Joe Gibbs Racing. The car will be “open” which means Truex is not guaranteed a spot in the field and will have to make “The Great American Race” via speed in time trials or one of two qualifying races.

Truex Jr. and Sr cut their teeth on racing at Wall Stadium in NJ.