In a spectacular display of skill, Martin Truex Jr. secured a momentous victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the very track where his father had triumphed in a regional stock car race in 1994. Following the win, Truex playfully expressed his desire to savor the 22-pound live lobster, a traditional prize awarded to the winner, by grilling it.
The seasoned driver revealed his plans to purchase a saltwater fishing boat, a long-standing aspiration he had deferred due to racing commitments. Truex reminisced about his childhood days when he worked on his father’s clamming boat and tagged along with his mother and brother to the racetrack.
As the NASCAR Cup Series champion of 2017, Truex’s career has few unchecked boxes. Winning at New Hampshire was another highlight in a series of accomplishments, stirring nostalgic memories of his childhood at the track, where he first witnessed the mechanics of racing, like Dale Earnhardt tinkering with his car’s carburetor.
Despite his recent success, Truex contemplated his future in NASCAR, leaving his team owner, Joe Gibbs, puzzled as to why he would consider giving it up. With the decision pending, Truex announced his return for the 2023 season but remains uncertain about his plans for 2024, leaving sponsors and other stakeholders eagerly awaiting his choice.
Truex acknowledged that the decision was not solely about wins and losses but about committing wholeheartedly to the sport, including the sacrifices of time spent away from family and friends. His team, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), hopes he’ll continue to drive, especially given his remarkable form and the contention for the Cup championship.
Having clinched his first victory at New Hampshire in 30 career Cup attempts, Truex savored the overdue celebration, particularly after leading 254 laps in his No. 19 Toyota. Despite a brief mishap caused by a teammate’s collision, Truex surged ahead after a restart with nine laps left, savoring not just victory but the prized lobster as well.
In the Truex family’s racing history, New Hampshire held special significance. The younger Truex won his first regional stock car series race at the age of 20, while his father secured a commendable fifth-place finish in the same race.
Truex’s early transition to Cup racing in 2006 brought further success, marked by notable finishes at New Hampshire and consecutive top-10 placements from 2016 to 2020. However, last year’s late tire call cost him the checkered flag, making his recent win even more gratifying.
With 34 victories, a championship title, and three season runner-up finishes, Truex’s accomplishments make a compelling case for his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He remains focused on the championship race, with the ultimate goal of concluding his illustrious career on a high note.
Joey Logano secured the second spot in the race, while Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick, and Brad Keselowski completed the top five.
Kyle Busch’s race took a turn for the worse as he suffered damage to his No. 8 Chevrolet during practice and qualifying. His early collision with the wall forced him out of the race after 71 laps, resulting in a last-place finish. Despite his recent consistent top-10 performances, Busch expressed struggles with the right-rear grip on the track.
As the series shifts to Pocono Raceway, Chase Elliott will aim to defend his title, despite technically not crossing the finish line first in the previous race. Denny Hamlin and runner-up Kyle Busch faced disqualifications due to failed inspections, marking a rare occurrence in NASCAR history since 1960.
