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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Martin Truex Jr. had a specific wish when he began negotiations for his participation in the Daytona 500: he wanted to drive the No. 56 car.
Tricon Garage responded with an enthusiastic agreement, making Truex’s upcoming race even more meaningful in the weeks that followed.
Just a day after he officially declared his entry into “The Great American Race,” Truex experienced a profound personal loss with the unexpected passing of his father, Martin Truex Sr., at the age of 66. Truex Sr. had a significant racing history, piloting the No. 56 during much of his career, including 15 races in the Xfinity Series and 135 in the ARCA Series throughout the 1990s.
Truex Jr. expressed that this moment carries additional emotional weight for him, reflecting on how it resonates with his family’s legacy. “It probably means more. It probably hits home more with me of just what it means to us and our family,” he remarked. The driver previously raced the No. 56 for four seasons with Michael Waltrip Racing from 2010 to 2013. “A lot of people are going to be excited to see it out there.”
For the Truex family, especially for Martin and his younger brother Ryan, this moment is intensely sentimental.
“Everything I’ve ever learned was from him,” Martin stated, referencing his father. “He was my hero growing up and still is. He made a lot of things happen for me. Taught me a lot of things with racing and really the opportunity to get here and what I’ve accomplished is all because of him and his sacrifices. Hopefully, we’ll go win this thing for him on Sunday.”
Winning the Daytona 500 would stand as the ultimate homage to his father’s legacy. Despite being without a victory in his last 39 races at Daytona International Speedway, Truex should not be underestimated. He currently has the longest active losing streak in the Daytona 500, having failed to win in 20 attempts.
He did come remarkably close in 2016, falling just a few inches short of Denny Hamlin in the most tightly contested finish in the history of this prestigious race.
In recent years, Truex has consistently placed in the top 15 at Daytona, achieving this while racing for Joe Gibbs Racing. Although he stepped away from full-time racing at the end of last season, he chose to return for this one-off event with Tricon, motivated by the desire to finally clinch a victory at the 500. Truex and Tricon Garage maintain an association with JGR.
“In the grand scheme of things, this is probably the easiest one to do as far as being a driver in a series,” he explained. “You couldn’t do a one-off and go to Richmond or Dover or somewhere and expect to have a chance to win, honestly. It’s just not really feasible.
“Speedway racing is the best opportunity to come out and have a true shot at winning. That’s why guys do it. That’s why I wanted to do it, and especially because it’s the Daytona 500. It’s such a big race. It’s such a big deal.”
This could potentially mark Truex’s final opportunity to secure a win, creating a poignant narrative: achieving the coveted Daytona 500 victory in his 21st attempt, just a month after his father’s death, while driving a car that symbolizes cherished memories for his family.
“We have as good a shot to win as anyone to win,” Truex enthused. “If you’re in it, you can win it. I’ve always said that. One of these days I’m going to be right about it.”
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