"Not sure yet" - Joe Gibbs' star Martin Truex Jr. reflects on post-retirement plans after leaving full-time racing
Martin Truex Jr. discussed his retirement from NASCAR competition and what's ahead for him in a recent interview. Sunday's season finale race at the Phoenix Raceway will mark the final one for the 2017 Cup Series champion as a full-time Cup Series driver.
In an interview with FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass prior to last Sunday's Cup Series race at the Martinsville Speedway, the 44-year-old was asked how he'll spend his Sundays not being at the racetrack where he'd normally be. The New Jersey native said he isn't sure what's in store, but knows he'll figure it out.
"I'm not sure yet," Truex said. "Hunt and fish. Enjoy life. I'm sure I'll watch some racing still, probably won't be as closely interested in it as I am now. But I don't know. We'll see. Time will tell."
Sunday's race won't be the very last time Truex will grace a Cup Series racetrack with his presence as he plans to try and qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 in a fourth entry for 23XI Racing.
Oftentimes, drivers will get emotional around the time that their final career race approaches. However, that's not the case with Truex as he's anticipating wrapping up a decorated 19-year Cup Series career.
"I'm excited," Truex said. "I'm feeling good and trying to enjoy these last two weeks."
In his final race piloting the #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Truex said he'd like to go out on top by spoiling the championship party and claiming the win, adding:
"We've been pretty good there. And hopefully, we can find something a little bit extra and go there. Going out with a win would be the most amazing thing ever short of a championship, obviously, which is impossible. But just want to go have fun and enjoy the last race with the team."
Martin Truex Jr.'s journey through the NASCAR ranks
Martin Truex Jr. leaves behind a Hall of Fame-worthy career over his last 19 seasons of full-time Cup Series competition. Overall, Truex amassed 34 career Cup Series victories and also won the 2017 Cup championship.
Truex first broke onto the Cup scene full-time in 2006 driving for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. He won his first career race in his home state at the Dover Motor Speedway. He left DEI in 2010 to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing, where he spent four seasons and won one race.
Truex's career took off when he joined Furniture Row Racing in 2014. He made it to the Championship 4 race in just his second season with the team. Two years later, Truex won a season-high eight races and claimed the championship in dominant fashion. Furniture Row Racing ceased operations after 2018, but Truex still managed to finish runner-up in the championship that year.
Truex spent his final six seasons of full-time Cup racing with Joe Gibbs Racing, winning 15 races with the team. His last win to date came last year at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.