In a stunning post-retirement move, 2017 Nascar Champion Martin Truex Jr. is set to make his return to the NASCAR Cup Series, aiming for a spot in the 2025 Daytona 500, and with a familiar local area face calling the shots.
Partnering with Tricon Garage, Truex will drive the #56 Toyota in the race on February 16th.
The Daytona 500 entry marks the first Cup Series effort for the David Gilliland-owned Tricon Garage, which announced the news last week. Truex, who retired from full-time competition after the 2024 season, hinted at the possibility of select race appearances, and his Daytona attempt confirms those plans. Through his career he had 34 Cup wins and two Xfinity Series titles.
Adding to the excitement, Mount Brydges native and former Truex crew chief during the 2017 championship season Cole Pearn, will join the effort, returning to the pit box for the first time since their dominant run together ended in 2019. Pearn played a pivotal role in Truex’s career, including guiding him to 24 wins and a Cup championship.
Bass Pro Shops, a longtime sponsor of Truex, will back the Daytona entry. The No. 56 Toyota nods to Truex’s early career days, creating a nostalgic reunion for the driver and his team.
Truex will attempt to qualify for his 21st Daytona 500. Despite never winning the event, he came heartbreakingly close in 2016, finishing just 0.010 seconds behind Denny Hamlin.
(Photo credit: NBCsports)
Written by: C. Soares