Martin Truex Jr. enters the 2023 Daytona 500 on a high note after winning the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum almost two weeks ago. It represented a good start to the 2023 NASCAR season after not winning a race last year.
However, there was a chance that Truex, 42, would not return after the 2022 season. The driver of the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing considered retiring before ultimately returning for another year.
Now, Truex has already been asked plenty of times about his status for next season. This includes Daytona 500 Media Day where he revealed a scenario where he would probably be back for another campaign in 2024.
Related: Martin Truex Jr. gives update on retirement decision ahead of the 2023 season
Martin Truex Jr. gives update on retirement decision, reveals why he would probably return in 2024
Truex entered Daytona 500 Media Day probably expecting a question on his potential retirement and it did not take long for it to come up in the availability. This is expected as his retirement announcement would be the second one this year by a NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Once Truex was asked about a potential retirement decision, he was quick to say that he had no clue. However, he did say something at the end of his quote that was quite interesting.
“No idea. No idea. Literally, no idea. I’m not even lying. Yeah, I don’t know. I’m going to make that decision when the time comes. Until then, I’m going to work my (expletive) off and try to win a bunch of races. If that’s the case and that’s happening, then I’ll probably be back…pretty simple, really.”
Martin Truex Jr. gives update on retirement decision ahead of 2023 Daytona 500
Truex was having a good time with the conversation and laughing about it but the comments themselves seem sincere. Plus, it makes sense why Truex would return if he starts winning races like he was before the 2022 season.
The 42-year-old driver will give some time on a decision to see how the team performs this season, as expected. It started off on a high note so there is certainly momentum carrying over into the first points-paying race of the year.
Last season, Truex made his decision to come back on June 24. This means he would have the next four months to evaluate where he stands in the Cup Series if a decision needed to be made by that point.
Truex’s future in the Cup Series will continue to be a big topic of conversation throughout the season as he could join Kevin Harvick as another full-time driver departing NASCAR.