Martin Lee Truex Jr. Bio
Martin Lee Truex Jr. (born June 29, 1980) is an American semi-retired professional stock car racing driver. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 56 Toyota Camry XSE for Tricon Garage. Truex Jr. is the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion and a two-time Xfinity Series champion, having won consecutive titles in 2004 and 2005.
Early Life and Background
Born in Mayetta, New Jersey, Martin Truex Jr. grew up in a racing family. His father, Martin Truex Sr., was a former race winner in the Busch North Series, and his younger brother Ryan Truex is also a professional driver. Truex graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1998. He began his racing career driving go-karts at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey before moving to the Modified division at Wall Stadium at age eighteen.
In 2000, Truex relocated to Mooresville, North Carolina, renting a home from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and eventually purchasing his own. He followed his father’s footsteps by competing in the Busch North Series for three full seasons, earning multiple poles and wins in his family-owned No. 56 SeaWatch Chevrolet.
Path to NASCAR
Truex made his Busch Series debut in 2001, initially driving his late father’s No. 56 car. In 2003, he was hired by Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive for Chance 2 Motorsports, where he gained valuable experience and secured his first career victory at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2004. That year, he won the Busch Series championship, followed by a second consecutive title in 2005.
Truex made his first Cup Series start in 2004 as a relief driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr. He began racing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2006 with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., steadily building his career with top finishes and his first Cup win in 2007.
Martin Lee Truex Jr. Career
Early Career (2001–2005)
Truex’s early career was marked by success in the Busch Series, where he won two consecutive championships in 2004 and 2005. Driving for Chance 2 Motorsports and his family team, he earned multiple victories including wins at Talladega Superspeedway and the final NASCAR event at Nazareth Speedway. He also made his Cup Series debut during this period, gaining experience in the top-level series.
In 2005, Truex won the first Busch Series points race held outside the United States in Mexico and captured his first Daytona International Speedway victory. His consistent performance established him as a rising star in NASCAR.
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing (2006–2009)
Truex moved full-time to the Nextel Cup Series in 2006 with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., driving the No. 1 Chevrolet. He secured his first Cup win in 2007 at the Autism Speaks 400 and earned a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, finishing eleventh in points. In 2008, he recorded eleven top-ten finishes and ended the season fifteenth in points.
In 2009, after DEI merged with Chip Ganassi Racing, Truex drove the No. 1 car for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. He won the pole for the Daytona 500 and earned two additional poles during the season. However, he departed the team after the year.
Michael Waltrip Racing Era (2010–2013)
Truex joined Michael Waltrip Racing in 2010, driving the No. 56 Toyota Camry, a number with family significance. He achieved several top-ten finishes and won the All-Star Showdown at Charlotte. Though he faced challenges, he steadily improved his performance over the seasons.
During this period, Truex developed his skills and gained experience that would later contribute to his breakthrough success.
Furniture Row Racing Breakthrough (2014–2018)
In 2014, Truex moved to Furniture Row Racing, driving the No. 78 Chevrolet, later switching to Toyota. With crew chief Cole Pearn, he transformed the team into a championship contender. Truex won multiple races, including the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500 in 2016, and dominated the 2017 season by winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
He set records for stage wins and demonstrated exceptional consistency and racecraft. In 2018, Truex continued to perform at a high level, finishing second in the championship standings. Following Furniture Row Racing’s closure, he signed with Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2019 season.
Joe Gibbs Racing Era (2019–Present)
Truex joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019, driving the No. 19 Toyota Camry. He quickly found success, winning seven races in his first season with the team and finishing second in the championship standings. Truex continued to be a strong competitor, winning races at Richmond, Martinsville, and Darlington among others.
In 2023, Truex won the Busch Light Clash and multiple races, clinching the regular-season championship. He signed a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing through 2024 but announced plans to retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2024 season. In 2025, he will compete part-time for Tricon Garage in the No. 56 Toyota Camry.
Driving Style and Strengths
Truex is known for his strong performance on short tracks and intermediate ovals, excelling in race strategy and tire management. His partnership with crew chief James Small has been pivotal in maintaining competitive form. Truex’s ability to lead laps and execute in critical race moments has defined his career.
Notable Races and Milestones
Truex’s signature victories include the 2016 and 2019 Coca-Cola 600, the 2016 Southern 500, and his 2017 NASCAR Cup Series championship season marked by multiple wins and stage victories. His career is highlighted by resilience and consistent top-tier performances across NASCAR’s top series.
Martin Lee Truex Jr. Career Wins
Martin Truex Jr. has accumulated numerous wins across NASCAR’s top series, including the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series. His career features landmark victories and championship titles that underscore his status as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
Truex secured his first Cup Series win in 2007 and went on to win the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series championship. He has multiple wins at prestigious events such as the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500. In 2019, he led the series with seven victories, showcasing his dominance after joining Joe Gibbs Racing.
Xfinity Series Highlights
Truex won back-to-back Xfinity Series championships in 2004 and 2005. His early career featured multiple wins, including victories at Bristol Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, establishing his reputation as a formidable competitor in the series.
Other Wins & Performances
Truex has also competed successfully in the NASCAR Truck Series, winning at Bristol in 2021 and becoming one of the few drivers to win in all three of NASCAR’s national series. His versatility across different racing platforms highlights his broad talent.
Martin Lee Truex Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Martin Truex Jr. hails from a family deeply rooted in racing. His father, Martin Truex Sr., was a successful Busch North Series driver. His younger brother Ryan Truex is a two-time champion in the ARCA Menards Series East, and other family members have competed in various NASCAR and late model events, reflecting a strong racing heritage.
Personal Life
Truex was in a long-term relationship with Sherry Pollex from 2005 until their separation in early 2023. They co-founded the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation to support children with pediatric cancer. Pollex was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014 and passed away in September 2023. Truex is a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Flyers. In addition to racing, he has business interests including a human organ transport venture.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Martin Truex Jr. will compete part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 56 Toyota Camry for Tricon Garage. This marks his return to the No. 56 car for the first time since 2013. Truex qualified fastest among open cars for the Daytona 500 but finished 38th after involvement in a crash. His part-time schedule reflects his transition from full-time competition while maintaining a presence in the sport.
