Martin Truex Jr. has built a remarkable career in NASCAR, winning the 2017 Cup Series championship and establishing himself as one of the sport’s top competitors. But what many may not know is that his journey to success was made possible by none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. In a heartfelt reflection, Truex once admitted that without Earnhardt’s support, he might never have made it to NASCAR’s big leagues.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Saw Something Special in Martin Truex Jr.
Before he became a Cup Series champion, Truex was just a young racer from New Jersey trying to carve out a career in motorsports. His big break came when Earnhardt offered him a ride in the Busch Series (now the Xfinity Series) with Chance 2 Motorsports, a team co-owned by Earnhardt and Teresa Earnhardt.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been known for helping young drivers get a shot in NASCAR, and he saw something in Truex that others might have overlooked. Racing for Chance 2 Motorsports, Truex proved his talent by winning back-to-back Busch Series championships in 2004 and 2005. This success propelled him to the Cup Series, where he built an outstanding career.
Looking back on that time, Truex openly credited Earnhardt for believing in him when few others did. In an interview, he said, “If he hadn’t taken a chance on me, there’s no telling where I would be right now. I may have never gotten a full-time ride (in Sprint Cup). We don’t know.”
Truex and Earnhardt’s Friendship Goes Beyond Racing
Truex and Earnhardt didn’t just have a driver-owner relationship; they built a strong friendship along the way.
Even after Truex moved on to different teams, their bond remained close. He started his Cup Series career with Dale Earnhardt Inc. before moving on to teams like Furniture Row Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, where he won his first Cup title in 2017. Still, Truex never forgot who helped him get there.
Earnhardt’s influence in NASCAR extends beyond his own racing success. Over the years, he has played a major role in shaping the careers of multiple drivers, giving them a platform to showcase their skills. Truex is just one of many drivers who benefited from his guidance and generosity.
Today, Truex is one of NASCAR’s most respected veterans, and he continues to express gratitude for the opportunity that set him on this path. His story is a testament to the impact one person’s belief can have on a rising star — and how Earnhardt’s willingness to help others changed the course of Truex’s career forever.