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The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Martin Truex Jr., is set to retire from full-time NASCAR racing at the end of the 2024 season. In a recent interview with NBC Sports, former driver turned analyst Jeff Burton shared his thoughts about the decision made by Joe Gibbs Racing driver to step away from full-time NASCAR racing.
Addressing the reason behind Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement, Burton touched on how the long, tiring full-time NASCAR season affects balance between the personal and professional lives of a driver. He also elaborated that being a driver comes at a price; a driver needs to invest all of their time into the sport over their families to achieve success.
During the NBC Sports podcast with Nate Ryan, Burton decodes Truex Jr.’s retirement reason and said:
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“I just don’t think the casual fan can understand how grueling of a lifestyle it is. Look, it’s not without reward. It’s not a pity party here. It’s not without reward; it’s not without good pay; it’s not without a lot of things that a lot of people would just be very envious of. But it is a massive sacrifice.
“But as you age and you start seeing, you start to appreciate a little more of the things that you’re missing. I just think that’s where Martin is.”
In a two-decade-long career, Martin Truex Jr. amassed 34 wins, 23 poles, 146 top-5s and 287 top-10s. He also claimed two consecutive Xfinity Series championships in 2004 and 2005 before claiming the Cup title in 2017.
Martin Truex Jr. has plans “to be around” NASCAR
Joe Gibbs Racing driver, who announced his decision at Iowa weekend, cited a feeling that it was the right time for him to retire after having contemplated retirement over the past few seasons.
After the retirement from full-time racing, Martin Truex Jr. confirmed that he will be available in some capacity to run part-time in Cup and Xfinity.
Truex Jr. said in a press conference with team owner Joe Gibbs:
“It’s been incredible. It’s been a hell of a ride. I’m excited about the future. I’m not really sure what that looks like yet, but I feel good about my decision. I won’t be gone. I’ll be around still,” Truex insisted. “We’re going to do some stuff together and have some fun.”
With 2024 being the final season, the JGR veteran will look to end his career on a high note. However, he has yet to win a race this season and currently sits fifth in the points table with 530 points.
