NASCAR News: Joe Gibbs sets the stage for one of Martin Truex Jr.'s last rides with historic paint scheme tribute
Joe Gibbs Racing has unveiled a special tribute livery for Martin Truex Jr., who is set to retire from full-time competition after this season. For this weekend's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Truex Jr.'s #19 Toyota will feature his iconic 2017 championship-winning paint scheme featuring long-time partner Bass Pro Shops.
Truex Jr. clinched his lone Cup championship with Furniture Row Racing in 2017, winning the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which used to host the championship decider until 2019. Truex Jr's iconic #78 Toyota featured Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats as primary sponsors during the memorable day.
Joe Gibbs Racing will pay tribute to Truex Jr.'s 2017 title-winning season as NASCAR returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway, the site of his championship victory seven years ago. On Tuesday, October 22, JGR revealed a special throwback livery for the #19 Toyota, which will feature the original Bass Pro Shops design, adding a nostalgic touch to the weekend's race.
Truex Jr. endured a tumultuous NASCAR Cup Series career during his stint with DEI and Michael Waltrip Racing. He joined Furniture Row Racing in 2014 and put together a dominant campaign with eight victories to win the 2017 Cup Series title. He joined JGR in 2019 and is set to retire from the sport in three weeks.
Watch the #19 JGR Toyota driver live in action in the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, scheduled for this Sunday, October 27, at 2:30 PM ET. Catch the action live on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM.
Martin Truex Jr. reflects on championship victory celebrations
One year ago, Martin Truex Jr. reflected on his 2017 championship victory during the Homestead-Miami Speedway weekend. Truex Jr. remembers every detail of the weekend except for the moments immediately after taking the checkered flag.
The #19 Joe Gibbs Racing driver added that the post-race celebrations weren't as wild as one might expect. He was caught up with media obligations until 3 in the morning but remembers his crew members driving around the track in a van when he was busy with the media.
"I remember everything about it – the whole weekend, race, every lap. Only thing I don’t remember, is when I crossed the finish line until the back straightaway. The party was fun, but nothing crazy as everyone was so happy and excited. We didn’t get to do much as I was on the track until 3 a.m. with obligations," he said in a press conference (via Speedwaymedia.com).
"The funniest part was a few of my crew guys and team members took a van around the racetrack. I was sitting off turn 4 doing an interview with Jamie Little and FOX, and we see those guys screaming in the van. Just everyone having a big time and happy for everything that happened."
The #19 JGR driver has recorded a single victory at the 1.5-mile oval in Homestead and 6 other top-five results in his 19 starts at the track. Despite starting on pole last year, he was forced to retire due to engine issues.