Ryan Truex has found something rare in NASCAR: the perfect balance between competitive racing and personal fulfillment. After struggling through a difficult Cup Series stint in 2014, the younger brother of 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. has discovered contentment in an unexpected place. His part-time role at Joe Gibbs Racing offers him the flexibility that full-time racing never could.
Ryan Truex Reveals His Part-Time NASCAR Life Sweet Spot
The one perk that makes Truex’s current situation worthwhile is surprisingly simple yet profound. “It’s been nice. I mean, it’s fun to race part-time and get Saturdays at home,” Truex shared.
His current role as JGR’s reserve driver encompasses multiple responsibilities. He serves as the emergency option for all Cup and Xfinity teams while conducting full-time simulator testing. “I enjoy what I do with JGR. You know, I’ve been able to race part-time the past few years and do all of my stuff away from the track,” Truex explained.
The arrangement has proven successful with three Xfinity Series victories in JGR equipment over the past two seasons. “It’s also fun to be at the track, so I feel like I’ve had a good balance the past few years,” he noted.
Ryan Truex admitted that he didn’t enjoy his experience racing as a Cup backmarker in 2014 and that it probably wasn’t the right career move for him. In some ways he’s been fighting to resurrect his career since.
Truex says he enjoys his role at Joe Gibbs Racing and has had a… pic.twitter.com/S2814Gdsuk
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Learning From Past Struggles Shaped Truex’s NASCAR Perspective
Truex’s appreciation stems from harsh lessons learned during his previous Cup Series experience. “My last time in Cup was not a fun experience. It didn’t go well for me. I didn’t enjoy it,” he candidly admitted about his 26 starts between 2013-2014 with underfunded BK Racing.
The difficult period with BK Racing, which eventually went bankrupt, never resulted in a finish higher than 20th.
His extensive simulator work has become crucial to his value at Joe Gibbs Racing. “I feel like I’ve run a million laps here already in the past month,” he noted regarding his preparation. This dedication allows him to stay race-ready while maintaining his preferred schedule.
The opportunity to substitute for Denny Hamlin at NASCAR’s inaugural Mexico City race came after weeks of preparation. When Hamlin chose to stay home for his son’s birth, Truex got the call.
His story represents a different path to success in professional motorsports, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term glory. “I’m driving a Cup car for Joe Gibbs at an international race – this is not something I ever dreamed of doing, just want to take it all in and have a good time,” Truex said, embodying the gratitude that comes from his balanced approach to racing.