Toyota gives a major update on Martin Truex Jr. contract extension after Sonoma win
Martin Truex Jr.’s contract with JGR runs out at the end of this season.
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Martin Truex Jr. at sonoma (Credts: @DennyDelivers/Twiitter)
Toyota Racing Development president David Wilson has admitted that the manufacturer and Joe Gibbs Racing management have already started the negotiations for Martin Truex Jr.’s contract extension. Truex Jr., the only championship-winning driver in the TRD garage, nearly retired in 2022 but extended his stay for another year. The team is hoping for a similar decision this year.
The 2017 Cup champion has yet to decide whether to stay in the Cup as a full-time driver or not. He has already said he will remain with JGR as long as he is having fun. Joe Gibbs, the team owner, has promised to give the No:19 Camry driver the most competitive car to help him enjoy the experience and is considering an extension.
After going winless and missing the playoff last season, the veteran has turned his season around with two points-paying race win and the LA Clash win. His latest win came last weekend at the Sonoma Road Course race, where he already had won thrice. TRD’s Wilson pointed out on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that they are pushing for a constant extension. He said, “It sure has, and I am optimistic,”.
He shared his optimism about seeing a deep playoff run from the veteran. Wilson said, “I think Martin’s just in a good place, not just on the track but off the track. I love his spirit. I love the gracious way that he wins and competes. So, I’m a fan of Martin, and I think he’s going to go deep this year,”
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David Wilson applauds the No:19 team for the Sonoma win
Wilson acknowledged that Truex Jr. seems more relaxed and happier while getting out of the car following solid finishes this season. He praised the No:19 team led by James Small for it and also appreciated their efforts in giving the future Hall of Famer a strong car.
“From my frame of reference and where (he) is, a future Hall of Famer in this sport, it’s about how fun he’s having, and you see him climbing out of that race car more and more often with a smile on his face,” said Wilson.
“I also want to give a shoutout to the 19 team. James Small and the 19 teams kept Martin out front on Sunday, and I’ve talked in the past dating back to last year, really, our Achilles heel has been an execution in pit lane, and what that team did on Sunday was awesome,” Wilson added.
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Justin P Joy
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