Truex, 43, had been considering leaving Cup for the past few years, which led him to sign a one-year contract with Joe Gibbs Racing and postpone the choice yearly for so long as possible.
On Friday at Iowa Speedway, Truex officially made his decision – he’ll leave the No. 19 JGR Toyota team at the top of the yr, no matter how his season goes.
“I think the news has been on the Internet all week, so you guys already know, and I don't know who I am here,” a visibly upset Truex said firstly of his news conference. “I just need to allow you to all know that I won't be back full time next yr.
“I'm obviously excited in regards to the remainder of the yr. It means loads to me to see Johnny Morris (owner of sponsor Bass Pro Shops) here. He was a giant supporter of mine. Without him, I wouldn't have been capable of accomplish any of the things I actually have completed.
“It was amazing. It was one hell of a ride. I'm excited about the future. I'm not sure what that looks like yet, but I'm happy with my decision. “
Still, Truex said it has been a “true honor” to work with all the crew members and team owners throughout his profession.
“I won't leave. I will still be around,” Truex insisted. “We will do things together and have fun.”
Truex stays winless in 2024, but sits fifth within the cup standings and is well positioned for an additional playoff appearance.
The experienced driver joined JGR in the beginning of the 2019 season. He has 34 wins at cup level – 32 since 2015 – and has finished worse than fifth in points only thrice within the last 10 seasons. He won his only Cup championship with Furniture Row Racing in 2017.
2017 champion Martin Truex Jr., Furniture Row Racing Toyota
Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport images
“I obviously have a lot of respect for Martin,” said JGR owner Joe Gibbs. “I did every thing I could to maintain it going. I feel we’ve got two 40-year-olds at the highest of their game straight away.
Truex's Cup profession spans almost 20 years and includes 673 starts. His first Cup victory got here in 2007 at his home track of Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. He has won a few of NASCAR's biggest races, including two Coca-Cola 600 wins, a Southern 500 victory and five road course wins, including 4 at Sonoma.
Truex won Xfinity Series championships in 2004-05 for Chance 2 Motorsports and went to Cup to drive for Dale Earnhardt Inc., which eventually merged with Chip Ganassi Racing.
He later drove for Michael Waltrip Racing before joining Furniture Row in 2014. The team ceased operations after 2018, and Truex has been driving for JGR since then.
He has three starts within the Truck Series with one win, five wins in what’s now ARCA East and a pair of victories within the now-defunct International Race of Champions.
Toyota statement
“Martin has been a fierce competitor, champion and loyal friend to Toyota and TRD for over a decade. He is the only NASCAR driver to win Cup races driving a Toyota Camry in three different racing team organizations – a remarkable achievement. His genuine personality and consistent performances have made him a fan favorite and someone who will truly be missed on the track each week. Martin's racing achievements highlight his talent, and his outstanding work off the track with the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. shows what an amazing person he still is. Martin is a future Hall of Famer and someone we will always be honored to call part of the Team Toyota family.”
Watch: Joe Gibbs talks future with Martin Truex Jr. after retirement
