Joe Gibbs eyeing Truex Jr.? (3rd Update)

Truex Jr. and girlfriend Sherry

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's announcement.

09/05/18 With Furniture Row Racing announcing it is ceasing operations after '18, NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. "will move to Joe Gibbs Racing next season" along with one of the sponsors currently on his No. 78 Toyota team: Bass Pro Shops.

FRR in announcing its decision yesterday cited in part the "loss of sponsor 5-Hour Energy and the 'the rising costs of continuing a team alliance'" with JGR. Sources said that Truex' deal with JGR was "already in place" by the time of FRR’s formal announcement.

Sources added that Truex’ move "means Daniel Suarez, currently the driver of JGR’s No. 19 Toyota, will not drive for one of JGR’s four Cup series teams next season." MOTORSPORT.com

Joe Gibbs

09/04/18 This rumor is upgraded to 'strong' today with news FRR's chances of continuing as a team in 2019 look less and less likely by the day. Word is Crew Chief Cole Pearn and Truex Jr. would come over as a pair to Joe Gibbs Racing. Toyota wants to keep Truex Jr. in the fold. Why can't FRR get sponsorship? We assume it's because NASCAR put races on NBCSN and TV ratings went down the tubes.

09/03/18 Joe Gibbs on whether he'd be interested in Martin Truex Jr. if Furniture Row Racing shuts down or doesn't re-sign him, and if Truex is available, whether that means Daniel Suarez could be the odd man out:

"This is that time of year, isn't it? I think there's a lot right now that is up in the air. I think the big thing is what the 78 [team does] and everything about that. Right now, there's nothing to comment on. … We do like [Suarez]. There's so much out there; most of it is not accurate."