Martin Truex Jr. may have driven his final laps as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, but his legacy as a champion and a beloved figure in the sport remains untouchable. While the 2017 Cup champion steps away from the high-octane world of racing, his longtime friend and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has let fans in on a few lesser-known quirks about the now-retired racing star.
“Terrible at Texting”: The Communication Struggles of Truex
Dale Jr. didn’t hold back as he shared a lighthearted critique of Truex’s communication skills. Despite their close bond, Earnhardt revealed that the former No. 19 Toyota driver has a habit of going AWOL when it comes to replying to messages.
“I’ve always appreciated the friend he’s been,” Dale Jr. said on his podcast. “Now, he’s sh—- at communication. He is terrible at text messages. You might not hear from him for damn months.”
Truex’s struggle with staying in touch only adds to his down-to-earth and unassuming personality—a far cry from the stereotypical image of a high-profile athlete constantly plugged into their phones.
Truex’s True Passion: Fishing > Racing
Beyond the racetrack, Martin Truex Jr.’s heart lies in the great outdoors. A self-proclaimed lover of hunting and fishing, Truex’s affinity for the outdoors is no secret among friends and fans. Dale Jr. went so far as to say that Truex might prefer reeling in a fish over crossing the checkered flag.
“He doesn’t seem like it’s an emotional thing for him [leaving racing]. He loves to hunt, he loves to fish. He would rather be on that boat fishing than anything else, even racing,” Dale Jr. shared.
For Truex, retirement means trading the roar of engines for the serenity of a fishing rod and a boat, a lifestyle he’s been passionate about for years.
What’s Next for Truex? A Life of Simplicity and Occasional NASCAR Cameos
With his full-time NASCAR career now in the rearview mirror, Truex’s future seems tailor-made for his laid-back personality. Expect to see him casting lines on a serene lake more often than making appearances at the racetrack. However, knowing his love for the sport, occasional guest races or mentoring roles aren’t entirely off the table.
For fans and friends like Dale Jr., Truex’s departure from the sport marks the end of an era, but it’s clear that the former champ is embracing retirement on his own terms. Whether he’s fishing, hunting, or simply taking life one text message at a time, Truex remains one of NASCAR’s most genuine personalities.
The Legacy of Truex: A Champion on and off the Track
While fans will undoubtedly miss seeing Martin Truex Jr. battling it out on Sundays, his reputation as a racer and as a person remains unmatched. Even if it takes months for him to reply to a text, the respect and admiration from his peers and fans will never wane.
As Dale Jr. put it best, “He’s been a hell of a friend—and a hell of a driver, too.”