Martin Truex Jr. is gearing up to step away from full-time NASCAR competition after the conclusion of this season, but whispers in the racing world suggest that his time on the track isn’t entirely over. Reports indicate that Truex Jr. is contemplating a return for the 2025 Daytona 500, where he may align himself with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team for the prestigious race. This potential return has sparked widespread speculation, although details remain uncertain at this point.
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a fellow competitor, offered some insights into Truex Jr.’s future during the playoff media day. When questioned about how often Truex Jr. might be seen competing in the coming year, Hamlin cryptically replied, “Three times.” This vague response has fueled further speculation about the number of races Truex Jr. might participate in next year. Fox Sports’ reporter Bob Pockrass also hinted that Truex Jr. could be in talks with 23XI Racing, but Hamlin refrained from confirming any such rumors. Instead, Hamlin playfully deflected, saying, “I see what you’re doing there, Bob,” without providing any concrete details.
Truex Jr., who claimed the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2017, is winding down his current season with Joe Gibbs Racing. However, it appears that his competitive spirit isn’t entirely diminished. Just two weeks ago, the 44-year-old driver publicly announced his intention to compete in the 2025 Daytona 500, partnering once again with his former crew chief, Cole Pearn. Together, Truex Jr. and Pearn had a remarkable run at Furniture Row Racing, securing numerous victories and the coveted 2017 Cup Series title.
When asked about his future plans beyond the Daytona 500, Truex Jr. admitted that his racing calendar for 2025 is still up in the air. He confirmed his definite participation in at least one race, but he left the door open for additional appearances, speculating that he might compete in a handful of other races throughout the year. “I’m not sure either. I’m kind of looking at it still. Definitely once. And then from there, my guess would be five, six, seven times. So we’ll see,” Truex Jr. shared with the media.
Truex Jr.’s final full-time season has been a rollercoaster, with moments of triumph interspersed with challenges. Following a dramatic race at Watkins Glen International, Truex Jr. found himself voicing his frustrations. Entering the Watkins Glen race just 18 points behind the playoff cutline, he had a strong showing with a second-place qualifying finish and secured a victory in the first stage. However, as the race unfolded, things took a turn for the worse.
The final laps at Watkins Glen were particularly chaotic, with several aggressive moves by fellow drivers leading to a series of unfortunate events. Truex Jr.’s downfall began when Todd Gilliland attempted to overtake Kyle Larson during a restart, causing a ripple effect that resulted in Truex Jr. colliding with the wall. What had looked like a solid top-10 finish turned into a disappointing 20th-place result by the end of the race. Truex Jr., clearly frustrated by the events, expressed his displeasure with the aggressive driving that often characterizes late-race restarts.
“It’s crazy how these races always end up like this. I don’t understand how drivers call themselves the best when they just push through everyone on restarts. It’s really frustrating,” Truex Jr. remarked in a post-race interview. His comments, which were echoed by Denny Hamlin, highlighted a growing sentiment among veteran drivers about the lack of respect and accountability on the track during critical race moments.
Truex Jr.’s performance at Watkins Glen marked another chapter in a string of disappointing finishes for the seasoned driver. His best result since his eighth-place finish at Pocono earlier in the year has been outside the top 20. The Watkins Glen race only added to the pressure Truex Jr. faces as he heads into the next race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he will need a strong performance to keep his playoff hopes alive. Sitting outside the top 12, Truex Jr. now finds himself in a must-win scenario, needing to secure a top-5 finish to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
As Truex Jr.’s full-time racing career nears its conclusion, fans and fellow drivers alike are left to wonder what the future holds for this accomplished driver. His plans for occasional returns to the track, including a potential partnership with 23XI Racing for the 2025 Daytona 500, suggest that while his full-time days may be ending, his presence in the sport will continue to be felt, even if only on a part-time basis. The excitement surrounding his future appearances only adds to the anticipation as NASCAR fans look forward to seeing how this chapter of Truex Jr.’s storied career unfolds.
NASCAR Rumors: Martin Truex Jr. to Team Up with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing for a Blockbuster 2025 Daytona 500!
