NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. entered his age-43 season not intending for this to be his last behind the wheel and planned a return to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024. Now, Truex Jr’s future is an open question around racing.
Truex, who turned 43 in June, has previously pushed back against retiring from racing. Even after going winless in 2022, Truex wanted to stay behind the wheel and show his love and appreciation for JGR, the NASCAR community and the sport itself.
While he has contemplated retirement in each of the past two offseasons, he always comes back. As Joe Gibbs told ESPN in July, his pitch to Truex Jr. on why he should stay is simple.
“He tells me the same thing every year, that ‘I’m right in the middle of trying to make this decision. I go, ‘Come on, what are you talking about, man? You’re making money, you’re having fun, you’re driving race cars. Come on.'”
Joe Gibbs on Martin Truex Jr contemplating retirement in recent years (H/T ESPN)
For many around NASCAR, especially those who know Truex Jr., the expectation has been that he’d remain with JGR in 2024. However, it now appears that’s no longer a certainty and it might even be something JGR is beginning to think about.
According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, there used to be a consensus from inside JGR and those close to Truex Jr. that he’d be back next season. Now, there’s a growing uncertainty and an increased feeling that retirement is very much on the table.
“In the spring, I was convinced he was coming back. But, today, I’m not as certain.”
Joe Gibbs racing team source on Martin Truex Jr’s 2024 future (H/T The Athletic)
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The sentiment is partially a reflection of Truex’s own statements. As highlighted by Bianchi, the former 2018 ESPY winner for the best driver in NASCAR has made it clear that he’s very unsure about his future.
“I’m not sure, honestly. I’ll figure it out pretty soon… It’s not an easy one, I can promise you that. Yeah, it’s a tough one to figure out.”
Martin Truex Jr on possibly retiring from NASCAR
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Regarding a timeline for a decision, Truex reportedly plans to make one fairly quickly. However, Gibbs and Toyota Racing Development president David Wilson are reportedly both willing to give Truex Jr. extended time to think about his decision.
Who would replace Martin Truex Jr at Joe Gibbs Racing?
While there isn’t always a succession plan in place when a top NASCAR driver retires, Joe Gibbs Racing reportedly has its eye on a top name from a list of candidates to potentially replace Truex Jr. in 2024.
According to Bianchi, John Hunter Nemechek is on the shortlist of drivers who could replace Truex Jr. With his ties to JGR, Nemechek could be the choice to take over either in 2024 or 2025 if Truex Jr. returns for one final season.
Nemechek joined JGR’x Xfinity team for the 2023 season and has been very successful. As he said at the time of joining the team, Nemechek is extremely familiar with JGR and its a team that can help him become a winner.
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity to get back to competing full time in the Xfinity Series. JGR is a group that I know I can win with after getting that win at Texas in 2021. I’m excited to get to work on the 2023 season so we can go out and win some races and compete for a championship.”
John Hunter Nemechek on joining Joe Gibbs Racing’s X-finity team
Nemechek has delivered multiple wins this season in the Xfinity Series. He’s delivered four wins this season – Auto Club Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway – and placed second four times.
Having just turned 26 years old in June, Nemechek would represent a transition for JGR heading into the 2024 season. It would also provide another example of NASCAR’s investment into developing young drivers working, with one of racing’s rising stars likely chosen to replace one of its 50 greatest drivers ever.