CORNELIUS, N.C. — No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Martin Truex Jr. and crew chief Chad Johnston are eager to get on track at Phoenix International Raceway for Sunday’s 312-lap event.
The one-mile oval is one of their favorites and the No. 56 has been one of the fastest cars the last two years. But mechanical issues slowed those outings. If that bad luck evens out this weekend in the desert then Truex could be one of the favorites to visit victory lane.
TRUEX ON PHOENIX: “Phoenix is one of my favorite tracks but the last two races there have not been good at all for us. Last year, we went out on lap 2 after starting on the front row. Then back in March, we lost power just 50 laps in and had to go behind the wall for repairs. We went back out and had one of the fastest cars on track. Regardless, we turned a negative into a positive by using the track time to prepare for this weekend’s race. Granted we’ve improved our NAPA Toyota over the course of this season but Chad and I expect to have an even faster car this time out.
“What I like about Phoenix is the options it provides. Even after the repave, you can try different lines to see where your car works best and where you can complete a pass. I expect fans to see plenty of side-by-side racing. The fans like it and so do the drivers. I can’t wait to get out there and see if Chad and I can finally win at this place. He has always provided me with fast cars there. We just lacked some of the luck needed to close the deal. It would be great to go back to victory lane together before the season ends. It would mean a lot to us, NAPA, and of course, all the employees at Michael Waltrip Racing.”
NOTES:
· Truex at Phoenix: In 15 Cup starts, he owns one pole, one top-five and five top-10 finishes. His average start is 12th and finish is 18th. He has led 101 laps in competition.
· MWR in 2013: MWR cars have combined for two wins (Truex Jr. – Sonoma; Vickers – Loudon-1), 20 top-five and 43 top-10 finishes. The three-car team has led 834 laps and won one pole award (M. Martin – Phoenix-1). Bowyer is seventh in points trailing Jimmie Johnson by 69 with two races remaining.
· MARTIN TRUEX JR. FOUNDATION (MTJF): Founded in 2007, MTJF has raised more than $1.5 million for community programs. Key initiatives include the MTJF Backpack Program in Iredell Co., N.C. with the Second Harvest Food Bank, the special needs fund and the Ryan Seacrest Studio at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., the MTJF Relief Assistance Fund to help families affected by Hurricane Sandy and the Martin Truex Jr. Pediatric Care Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center in N.J. Visit: martintruexjrfoundation.org for more information.
