Some NASCAR drivers seem destined for stardom, becoming fan favorites for generations. However, not every racer is fortunate enough to reach that level. The sport’s history is full of talented drivers who tried to break through but never quite made it.
Ryan Truex, a part-time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, finds himself in a similar situation. Despite his efforts to secure a full-time spot in the Xfinity Series, things just haven’t aligned for the 32-year-old. Even with strong performances this season, fans – including those of his brother Martin Truex Jr., who recently retired – are still waiting for him to land a full-time ride.
Truex’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. He showcased his skills in the No. 19 and 20 Toyota Supras, winning two races, including a crucial victory at Daytona, echoing his brother’s achievement in 2005. He also took home a win at the BetRivers 200 at Dover after an overtime finish extended the race to 208 laps. Despite these impressive victories, a full-time contract with Joe Gibbs Racing continues to elude him.
Truex has openly shared his frustrations about not securing a full-time position. In an interview with Jeff Gluck for The Athletic’s 12 Questions series, he revealed that his full-time job at JGR is working as a simulator driver, spending long hours at the simulator two to three times a week. He noted the mental and physical toll of this work, comparing it to an exhausting road trip.
Beyond the physical strain, Truex discussed how mentally taxing it is, especially after running over 25,000 laps in the simulator last year. He described the monotonous process of driving, analyzing data, and repeating the same cycle, leaving him feeling mentally drained.
Despite his dedication to Joe Gibbs Racing, Truex’s future in the Xfinity Series remains uncertain, especially with Brandon Jones returning to the team in 2025. Jones, who previously raced for JGR from 2018 to 2022, will take a full-time seat next season. This leaves Truex in limbo, as sponsorship issues continue to block his path to a full-time role. While Truex has backing from Toyota, Auto-Owners Insurance, and SiriusXM, none of these sponsors have stepped up to secure his place in the Xfinity Series.
REVEALED: Ryan Truex Opens Up on the ‘Mentally Draining’ Impact of His Limited Role at Joe Gibbs Racing.
