Martin Truex Jr. captured the elusive, electrifying sensation that comes with winning a race, describing it as something that defies explanation—a feeling so overwhelming that words fall short. Even after announcing his retirement in June, the seasoned Cup Series driver remains determined to chase that exhilarating rush one more time, particularly on a track where victory has narrowly escaped his grasp twice before.
With NASCAR gearing up to introduce a variety of new tracks next season, there’s a palpable sense of excitement among drivers. But for Truex, a 13-time Xfinity Series winner, one track stands out above the rest—a track that has been revitalized specifically for Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series races. This track is Rockingham Speedway, affectionately known as “The Rock,” and Truex is eager to take on its renewed challenge.
### Martin Truex Jr.’s Desire to Win at Rockingham Speedway
Rockingham Speedway first opened its doors in 1965, quickly becoming known for its thrilling races. Located in North Carolina, the track holds a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans. However, a combination of declining attendance and the fallout from the Ferko lawsuit in 2004 led to its removal from the Cup Series schedule. The Xfinity Series also ceased racing there by 2004, with Jamie McMurray securing a notable victory in the last Xfinity event at the track. But now, NASCAR is set to return to Rockingham, with both Xfinity and Truck Series races scheduled for Easter weekend next year.
Martin Truex Jr. is eager to be part of this historic comeback. When asked recently about the potential disappointment of missing out on NASCAR’s revamped schedule, the No. 19 driver didn’t seem too concerned, despite his impressive record of 34 Cup Series wins. “Not at all, not at all,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of different things throughout my career. The sport has changed a lot, especially in recent years, and it’s likely to keep evolving. We’re fortunate to be visiting new places and winning races along the way.”
However, there’s one race in particular that tugs at Truex’s heart—a race that he hopes will erase a winless mark from his career. Truex has only competed at Rockingham Speedway twice before it was removed from the schedule, leading for 68 laps in total and coming tantalizingly close to victory both times. Now, he’s determined to change that outcome. “Man, pencil me in for the Xfinity race at Rockingham Speedway,” Truex said. “I’ve only raced there twice, and both times I finished second. I’d love to have another shot at winning there—it would be a really cool place to get a victory.”
Truex’s enthusiasm for racing at Rockingham is clear, but his excitement doesn’t extend to all tracks on the schedule, even those where he has previously found success.
### Mexico City: Not on Truex’s Post-Retirement List
As retirement approaches, it’s natural for someone to prioritize their favorite destinations. For Martin Truex Jr., however, Mexico City doesn’t make the cut. For the first time since 1958, NASCAR will hold a points-paying Cup Series race in Mexico City, at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This 2.67-mile track hosted Xfinity races between 2005 and 2008, with Truex claiming victory in the second race held there, in 2006.
Despite his past success, Truex has some lingering reservations about returning to Mexico City. The long and costly journey involved, with teams required to make a 4,000-mile round trip and cross an international border twice, remains a concern. Moreover, the street course that winds through a public park didn’t exactly deliver top-tier racing experiences in the past. Although changes have been made to the track layout since Formula 1 began racing there in 2015, Truex remains unenthusiastic.
While Truex acknowledges the enthusiastic fan support at the track, he’s content with having won there once and doesn’t feel the need to return. “It was great to win there once and not go back!” he remarked. “I think it’s exciting for the sport. I remember the fans being so excited about that place—there were so many people there. I think it’ll be a huge deal for the Cup Series… but I’ll be happy watching it on TV.”
As Martin Truex Jr. narrows down his choices for post-retirement races, his focus remains firmly on making a strong push in the playoffs. With his final chance at Darlington just around the corner, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver is fully committed to giving it his all as he prepares to close this chapter of his racing career.
Martin Truex Jr. Reveals Potential Return to NASCAR Post-Retirement, Wishing to Erase One Blemish From His Career
