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The 2017 Cup Series champion, Martin Truex Jr., recently opened up about how he views the future of NASCAR. The New Jersey-based racer also spoke about his struggles in the ongoing season as well as the change in tires planned by Goodyear for the upcoming Richmond Raceway weekend.
Although a legend in the world of NASCAR, Truex Jr. has struggled in the last two Cup Series seasons, finishing 17th in 2022 and 11th in 2023. He has however, had a good run this season. Despite standing in fifth place in the 2024 driver's championship and having almost secured a place in the playoffs (125 points above the playoff cut-off), the Joe Gibbs Racing driver announced his retirement from the Cup Series.
Expressing his opinion in a recent media interaction, Martin Truex Jr. believes the future of the NASCAR Cup Series lies with one race per track. He further admitted that he is currently facing a slump period. Colin Ward, a senior NASCAR journalist, posted the following on his X page:
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"Martin Truex Jr. admits that he’s in a “slump.” “It’s frustrating.” He said. “Hope this is a normal weekend.”
Beyond his own performance, Truex Jr. also confirmed that Goodyear Racing will be introducing new tire compounds for the upcoming Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 11th. These new compounds could significantly impact race strategy and performance.
". @MartinTruex_Jr confirms @GoodyearRacing is "changing the tire" for upcoming race at @RichmondRaceway." Shared Jim Utter, NASCAR Editor at Motorsport.com
After a disappointing finish in the Toyota Owners 400 race at Richmond in March, Truex Jr. will likely be looking for a better result with new tires.
A brief look at Martin Truex Jr's 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season with Joe Gibbs Racing so far
After disappointment in the 2023 season, Martin Truex Jr. began the season on a positive note. Without a contract for next year, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series was a make-or-break one for the 44-year-old racer from New Jersey.
Truex Jr. managed to finish two of the first five races in the Top 10 (ninth in Busch Light Clash and seventh in Las Vegas Motor Speedway). Since then, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has had a rollercoaster-like season.
Highlights of Truex Jr.'s season so far are the races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Richmond Raceway, where he finished second, third, fourth, and fourth, respectively.
Truex Jr. has managed to end eight races in the Top 10 and four races in the Top 5, amassing a total of 601 points. Truex Jr. is currently placed fifth in the driver's championship, 70 points adrift of the leader, Kyle Larson.
