The NASCAR community was shaken by the news of Martin Truex Sr.’s passing at the age of 66.
In a heartfelt online statement, the Truex family shared their heartbreak over losing their father, whom they called their “hero.”
“We are devastated by the loss of our father [Martin Truex Sr.]. Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”
Sad news: Martin Truex Sr. died this week. He was 66 years old. I always enjoyed seeing him at the race track cheering on MTJ and Ryan. RIP. pic.twitter.com/lKxxr45aAm
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 17, 2025
His reputation as a respected figure in racing circles was evident through the tributes that poured in. NASCAR Hall of Famer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., shared his sorrow, praising Truex Sr. for his character.
“He was a great man,” Earnhardt Jr. wrote in response to FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass.
He was a great man.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 17, 2025
Earnhardt Jr. shares a connection with the Truex family, as his team, DEI, was crucial in giving Martin Truex Jr. his chance in Cup racing. Truex Jr. went on to become the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Truex Sr.’s own racing career was predominantly in the NASCAR Busch Series North and the NASCAR Grand National East Series.
He participated in 135 events, securing a victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1994. This win was a memorable moment for many, including fellow racer and four-time Busch Series North champion, Andy Santerre.
“I don’t remember all my races, but I do remember that Martin Sr. beat me at New Hampshire in, I think, ’94 and I finished second, and I was as happy for him as I was to finish second — and I don’t think I’d won a race at that point.”
Truex Sr.’s impact was felt both on and off the track. He retired from racing to support the careers of his sons, Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex, both of whom have achieved celebrated success.
Truex Sr. was also part-owner of Sea Watch International, a commercial fishing company.
The loss of Martin Truex Sr. comes during a challenging time for the family, as Martin Truex Jr. had recently announced his participation in the 2025 Daytona 500 with TRICON Garage. This will be TRICON’s debut in the Cup Series, and Truex Jr. aims to honor his father’s legacy through during the event.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular Season
- Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
- Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
- May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
- May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
- May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
- June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
- June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
- June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
- July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
- July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
- Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
- Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
- Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
- Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
- Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
- Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
- Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
- Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
- Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
The post Dale Earnhardt Jr. Pays Tribute To Martin Truex Sr. After Tragic Death appeared first on Newsweek.
