Since that controversial night at Richmond International Raceway, the season has been a roller coaster for Michael Waltrip Racing driver, Martin Truex Jr. Upon the completion of that event, Truex was informed he was in the Chase. After reviewing the circumstances of the night, NASCAR decided to make some changes. Those changes removed Truex from the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.
During the nine Chase races completed so far, Truex learned that his sponsor, NAPA, would not return. That bit of bad news was followed up with more bad news from his team, Michael Waltrip Racing, who said they would not field three full-time cars in 2014 effectively leaving him out of a ride. On the track, Truex has only managed two top-10 finishes – not the results he had hoped for.
On the other side of the coin, it was announced that Truex will drive the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet next season. This puts him in a quality ride that made the Chase this season with driver Kurt Busch. There are also rumors beginning to swirl that NAPA may be considering following him to his new team. At this point, it is just a rumor, but at least gives some hope. It was also announced that Truex’s entire pit crew will follow him to Furniture Row Racing as well. This should make him feel right at home and permit him to settle in quickly at his new home.
Truex is also attempting to end the season on a high note in the Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. Truex topped the speed charts in the first practice on Friday. Truex posted a lap of 176.661 MPH to best Kasey Kahne, who was second fastest.
Rounding out the top-5 were Paul Menard in third, Clint Bowyer in fourth, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr in fifth.
