Martin Truex Jr
NASCAR Cup Series Rumors

NASCAR Rumor: Truex Jr. to announce retirement Friday (Update)

Posted by AR1 staff

This rumor is upgraded to ‘fact’ today. Martin Truex Jr. confirmed on Friday at Iowa Speedway that he will not return to full-time competition following the 2024 season.

“I will not be back full-time next year,” Truex said Friday at Iowa Speedway. “Its been a hell of a ride.”

Said car owner Joe Gibbs: “I did everything I could to keep it going.”

Truex won the 2017 Cup championship and finished second in points in 2018 and 2019 concluding a three-year stretch that saw him win 19 of 108 points races (17.5%) with Cole Pearn as his crew chief at Furniture Row Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. Truex finished in the top 10 in 65.7% of those races in that three-year stretch.

NASCAR Statement:

“Martin Truex Jr. has been a consistent figure over the last two-plus decades in NASCAR – a consistent winner, champion and fan-favorite. Though he especially excelled on NASCAR’s biggest stages, Martin performed his craft with a quiet tenacity, allowing his immense success tell his incredible story. On behalf of the France Family and all of NASCAR, I congratulate Martin on a wonderful career and wish him the best of luck for the remainder of his final full-time season.” – Steve Phelps, NASCAR President

Toyota Statement

“Martin has been a fierce competitor, champion and loyal friend to Toyota and TRD for over a decade. He is the only NASCAR driver to win Cup races in a Toyota Camry across three different race team organizations – a remarkable achievement. His genuine personality and consistent performance have made him a fan favorite and someone who will truly be missed on-track each week. Martin’s racing achievements highlight just how talented of a racer he is, and his outstanding work off-track with the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation showcases the incredible person he continues to be. Martin is a future Hall of Famer, and someone we will always be honored to call a part of the Team Toyota family.” –  David Wilson, president, TRD U.S.A

June 13, 2024 

The Athletic reports that Martin Truex, Jr is has decided not to return to racing next season and will announce his retirement this weekend at Iowa Speedway.

“Truex’s departure creates a coveted opening at Joe Gibbs Racing, regarded as one of NASCAR’s elite organizations. The team is not expected to name Truex’s replacement immediately, but Chase Briscoe is considered one of the leading candidates to fill the vacancy, sources briefed on the team’s plans said.”

Truex has a media availability scheduled for 4:00pm/et Friday at the track.