[autotag]Martin Truex Jr.[/autotag]’s full-time NASCAR Cup Series career is one race way from being over. On Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway, Truex will say goodbye to Joe Gibbs Racing as he leaves NASCAR as a full-time competitor. The driver of the No. 19 car won’t be able to compete for a second Cup Series championship, but he will be celebrated either way.
Truex has spent 21 years in the Cup Series dating back to the 2004 season and has won 34 races and one Cup Series championship with Furniture Row Racing in 2017. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver hasn’t won a race in his farewell season, but could Phoenix change that? Based on Truex’s performances in the playoffs, it doesn’t seem likely, but it shouldn’t be ruled out.
The NASCAR garage won’t be the same with Truex leaving as a full-time driver, but it doesn’t mean he will be gone for good. The 2017 Cup Series champion is expected to compete with 23XI Racing in the 2025 Daytona 500 and will have a part-time NASCAR schedule. This isn’t a firm goodbye for Truex, but it marks the end of a 21-year era for one of the sport’s best drivers.
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