Some NASCAR drivers seem destined to leave a lasting legacy, gaining fan admiration for generations. However, not all racers are as fortunate, with many struggling to find their breakthrough. Throughout NASCAR’s history, there have been countless drivers who knocked on the door, hoping to seize the spotlight, only to have that moment elude them. Ryan Truex’s career seems to fit this narrative. As a part-time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), Truex has been striving for years to secure a full-time spot in the Xfinity Series. Despite a promising season, the stars have not aligned for the 32-year-old to earn the recognition many believe he deserves. Even Martin Truex Jr.’s fans, who support his younger brother, have been hoping that Ryan will land a full-time ride, especially with Martin’s retirement looming at the end of the season.
Ryan Truex has spoken openly about the mental strain he experiences while waiting for a full-time opportunity with JGR. In what has been a breakout season for him, Ryan showcased his skills with the No. 19 and 20 Toyota Supras in the Xfinity Series, securing two victories. Among his highlights was a notable win at Daytona International Speedway, a track where his brother had also triumphed in 2005. In addition, Ryan took home the victory at the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway, where he started in 12th place. That race, marked by several wrecks, extended into overtime and 208 laps, but Ryan emerged victorious.
Despite these achievements, Ryan Truex has yet to secure a full-time contract with JGR. In an interview with Jeff Gluck for The Athletic’s “12 Questions” series, Ryan expressed his frustration at remaining in a part-time role. He revealed that, despite racing part-time, his full-time commitment to JGR comes through working in their simulator, a vital tool for the team’s Cup Series efforts. “As a part-time guy, I’m at the simulator a lot. That’s my full-time job. I’m there two or three times a week, eight hours a day. I do that for JGR weekly on the Cup side. That’s probably something people don’t know,” he explained.
For a driver of Truex’s caliber, this level of commitment without a full-time ride can be draining. He added that the physical toll of spending hours in the simulator is comparable to a long road trip: “When you’re sitting like that for a prolonged state, it can be physical. It’s like a road trip. If you drive for eight hours straight, you feel terrible; your legs hurt, your knees hurt, your back hurts. You’ve got to try to get breaks. And I’ve spent a lot of time at the Toyota gym doing recovery stuff.”
Mentally, the strain is even more significant. Ryan described how the repetitive nature of simulator work can leave his mind feeling exhausted. “Last year I ended up with like 110 days that I was in there. I ran like 25,000 laps throughout the year. It definitely took some getting used to doing it that much. It feels like your brain is scrambled because you’re just making laps, looking at data, talk about it, make some more laps, look at more data. It’s just driving and looking at squiggly lines.”
Simulators are critical for teams like JGR, aiding in strategy development and helping drivers prepare for races while minimizing the risks of real-life injuries. Yet, despite his dedication, Ryan Truex’s future in the Xfinity Series remains uncertain, particularly with recent developments in the team’s lineup.
Joe Gibbs Racing recently announced that former driver Brandon Jones will return to the team in 2025. Jones, who currently drives the No. 9 car for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, was a key figure at JGR from 2018 to 2022, qualifying for the Xfinity playoffs each year. His return raises questions about Ryan Truex’s future with the team, as Jones is expected to take on a prominent role.
Ryan Truex, meanwhile, appears likely to remain in a part-time capacity due to a lack of sponsorship. Despite backing from Toyota, Auto-Owners Insurance, and SiriusXM, none of these sponsors have publicly committed to supporting Truex in a full-time Xfinity Series role. As a result, the uncertainty surrounding his career continues, leaving fans and the driver himself to wonder when, or if, he will finally get his chance to race full-time.
Ryan Truex Exposes ‘Mentally Draining’ Reality of Being Sidelined by Joe Gibbs Racing
