Martin Truex Jr. laments disastrous Richmond race as his JGR engine “self-destructed”

Martin Truex Jr. had a disappointing night at Richmond where he was forced to retire late in the race over an engine issue.

Martin Truex Jr. laments disastrous Richmond race as his JGR engine “self-destructed”

Martin Truex Jr. (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. came into the race at Richmond after the long-Olympics break with the hopes of continuing his strong 2024 run. But he was in for a disappointing run that saw him retiring early in the race and finishing P37th. This cost him the points lead he had in the playoff bubble and he is now the leading no-race winner with a 58 points advantage, with only three races left in the regular season.

Martin Truex Jr. was the victim of the engine issue that has been ruining the best races for the JGR drivers throughout the 2024 season. His last race t Richmond needed on the last stage of the race after the engine failed on him and the No:19 Toyota Camry driver seem really disappointed with the overall result.

While talking to the media after the race he pointed out that is engine hiccupped going down the back stretch and self-destructed. He felt it was one of those days where everything went bad for him. He now has to be extra careful in the coming two races to make sure that he remains the best placed driver in the points table if he cant win a race.

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It hiccupped once going down the backstretch, and then it started missing. It’s like it broke a valve spring or something and then it kind of self-disintegrated, self-destructed really quickly. I don’t know. One of those them days.
Martin Truex Jr. said via NBC.
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Martin Truex Jr. and his crew chief had a heated exchange on team radio

Throughout the 2024 season the shouting on the team radio involving crew chief James Small over mishaps. The same happened on Sunday when the engine died, and the team was forced to make the tough call to retire the car. Small shouted Truex Jr to shut the engine, “Shut it down!” and the veteran didn’t like it.

Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. (Via IMAGO)

He complained about Small always shouting on the team radio, which is unnecessary and pointed out that he doesn’t understand him in such situations.

God, you don’t have to yell! I can’t understand you. Jesus f*ck.
Martin Truex Jr. replied.

The veteran driver will be hoping that he can bounce back the next-race and get back to being in the fight for a victory. If he wants to end his final year in the sport on a high note, going out winless isn’t the path to go. It would be interesting to see how the season will playout for the Toyota star.

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