The Truex family name is synonymous with success in NASCAR, but Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex now carry a different kind of weight as they head into the 2025 season. Just two weeks after the passing of their father, Martin Truex Sr., the NASCAR community continues to rally around the family, offering condolences to the legendary racing lineage.
Truex Sr., a former NASCAR Busch North Series competitor, was not only a formidable driver in his own right but also a devoted mentor and father who dedicated his later years to helping his sons build their own racing legacies. With 34 Cup Series wins and a championship to his name, Martin Truex Jr. has established himself as one of NASCAR’s premier drivers, while Ryan Truex is on the rise in the Xfinity Series with three career victories—all of which came in the last two years.
Now, as Daytona approaches, the Truex brothers have an emotional mission: honor their father’s memory with a victory.
Ryan Truex Breaks His Silence: “He Was Truly One of a Kind”
The NASCAR world has poured out support for the Truex family, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other motorsports legends expressing their condolences.
After days of grieving in silence, Ryan Truex opened up on social media, penning a heartfelt message:
“Been a really tough few weeks losing our Dad unexpectedly. Just wanted to say thank you to all of the family, friends, NASCAR Community and fans for all of the kind words and condolences. It’s been amazing to hear all the stories about him and all the people he made a lasting impression with along the way. He was truly one of a kind, we all miss him already.”
A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Tribute: The Truex Brothers’ Daytona Mission
Beyond racing, Martin Truex Sr. left behind an impressive legacy—not just on the track, where he claimed a 1994 victory at New Hampshire, but also off of it, where he ran a successful seafood wholesale business, Sea Watch International.
Now, the burden of that legacy falls on Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, and their sister, Marsha McVey. And while grief lingers, Ryan is determined to turn heartbreak into motivation.
As he gears up for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, Ryan expressed his desire to honor his father in the best way possible—by winning at Daytona.
“Hoping we can get him a few trophies in Daytona!” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
And he’s not alone.
Martin Truex Jr. is equally focused on turning emotion into action. A former Cup Series champion, Truex has been a consistent contender at superspeedways and has unfinished business at Daytona.
In April 2023, the Truex brothers achieved a historic family moment, winning a Dover weekend doubleheader in both the Xfinity and Cup Series.
Now, they aim to replicate that feat at Daytona—but this time, for their father.
Can Martin Truex Jr. Handle the Pressure of Daytona?
While Daytona is unpredictable, there’s no denying that Truex Jr. has the ability to get the job done.
But the emotional weight of this race will be unlike any other.
Will Truex Jr. rise to the occasion, fueled by his father’s legacy? Or will the pressure of the moment prove too much?
One thing is certain: if either Truex brother finds Victory Lane at Daytona, the NASCAR world will be standing and applauding—because it won’t just be another race win. It will be a tribute, a moment, and a memory that will last forever.
