Truex Jr. may not be driving for Furniture Row in 2019 (Update)
 |
| Furniture Row saved? |
UPDATE Furniture Row Racing has grown more confident in recent days that it will renew deals with driver Martin Truex Jr. and engine manufacturer Toyota for '19, according to sources, though it is unclear where the funds are coming from.
FRR has been actively pitching sponsors on joining or stepping up with the team next year after 5-hour Energy’s decision not to return after the '18 season.
FRR Owner Barney Visser had made clear that he did not want to use his own funds to sponsor the team anymore. Truex said last week that he could not yet say for sure that he would be back with the team in '19. Adam Stern/SBD
08/20/18 In 2017, Martin Truex Jr claimed 8 race wins in the premier division of NASCAR. That tally more than doubled his career total. Between 2004-2016, Truex claimed 7 wins.
Furniture Row Racing went on the claim the series championship. However, 5-hour Energy moved from the second car of Erik Jones to the primary car of Martin Truex Jr. For 2018, Furniture Row Racing has been reduced to a single-car operation as Erik Jones went over to JGR.
In July, 5-hour Energy announced they would not return to FRR for 2019. Despite 4 wins so far in 2018, the championship defending team is seeking sponsorship.
“The more sponsors you have. The more things away from the track you have to do. The more commitments you have. We’ll just have to see how it all shakes out."
“Typically, you have a certain number of appearances per sponsor. The more sponsors you have, the more you have to do. It’s definitely a tough balance."
What percent chance do we have of seeing you drive for Furniture Row in 2019?
There was a very long pause which was followed by a laugh.
“Umm. It’s hard to put a number on it. Honestly, I really don’t know."
“I think in another week or two I’ll have a better answer for you, a better percentage. Right now, it’s just we need sponsorship. That’s as simple as it gets."
“It’s hard to say. Is there a 50% chance we get that in the next couple weeks? Or 100%. Or is there 2%? I don’t know. I can tell you that everything really is based upon that."
There’s rumors beginning to circulate about Martin Truex Jr and 2019. Truex is aware.
“I’m starting to hear rumors. That’s kinda how it works in this sport. I’ve been in this position before. I’ve got a great team. Barney’s done a lot for my career. Honestly, it’s something we all want to keep going. Just need a little bit of time to let the dominos fall in place. See if we can keep it going."
“If not, I’ll have to figure it out from there." Shane Walters/RacingNews