“Got a concussion”: Martin Truex Jr. throws a bold one-liner and slams NASCAR's Charlotte work

Martin Truex Jr. has voiced his sentiment about the reconfiguration work at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver drove at the 2.28-mile road course during the practice and qualifying session but is seemingly not a fan of the 'turtles' placed on the chicanes.

Charlotte's road course's layout underwent amendments during the summer break, that included creating a new and elongated infield between Turns 6 and 7, leading into the tight corner, and making it a 'hairpin-style' turn. The turning angle has drastically increased from the previous version, when it was nearly 90 degrees.

Moreover, the rubber bumps installed on the chicanes to prevent drivers from cutting corners and gaining unfair advantages, known as 'turtles,' were also seen at the new turns.

The #19 JGR driver had a poor qualifying run and will kick off his Bank of America ROVAL 400 race from the rear of the pack in P30. Truex Jr. wasn't satisfied with how the turtles caused a big bump and slammed the repavement work with a one-liner. He said (via Bob Pockrass on X):

“Feels like you got a concussion every lap basically if you hit them. So yeah, not much fun." (0:21).

Martin Truex Jr.'s teammate Christopher Bell is the highest-placed JGR driver in the qualifying and will begin his race from 12th place.

Martin Truex Jr. comments on the NextGen car going "airborne" after hitting the rubber installments on the chicanes

Before drivers step on the asphalt for some fast-paced action, they undergo simulation training to get comfortable with the track's layout and stay sharp on the asphalt. Moreover, sim racing prepares a team for potential setbacks concerning the track that could prove fatal if a remedy isn't planned.

Martin Truex Jr. practiced simulation to get well-versed with the reconfigured Charlotte Road Course. During the post-qualifying press conference, the 34-time Cup Series race winner was asked about going airborne in sim racing due to the new layout. He replied:

"I would say if you hit them you are airborne, at least two tires." (via Bob Pockrass on X) (0:32).

Martin Truex Jr. then said about going airborne at Turn 5 turtles as NextGen cars would approach it at high speed through the long straightaway.

"Nah, I don't think we're getting airborne. The tires are going to skip off the track a bit but I wouldn't say all four off the track at the same time. It's sketchy," the veteran driver added.

Martin Truex Jr. is running his final full-time Cup Series season and was eliminated from the playoffs after his deciding night at Bristol Motor Speedway. The JGR driver will be replaced by SHR departing driver, Chase Briscoe.

Truex Jr.'s teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin are in the championship fight and their fate would rely on the Round of 12 finale at Charlotte on October 13 at 2 PM ET.