Martin Truex Jr. might have had more success in the NASCAR Cup Series if his crew chief, Cole Pearn, had stayed with him for a couple more years. The duo began working together in 2015 after Pearn was promoted to the crew chief position by an engineer. They had a successful run that included the 2017 championship run. But it all came to an end when Pearn decided to step down from his position after the 2019 season.
Truex Jr. was in his prime at the time and had joined Joe Gibbs Racing, trying to contend for another championship. Like the 2018 and 2019 seasons, they finished second in the championship standings. The JGR driver could have been upset for leaving when he was ready to make a run at the championship. But instead, he respected his decision and allowed him to embark on his new journey.
Martin Truex Jr. was “okay” with Cole Pearn’s departure; here’s why
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
Interestingly, Truex was the only driver Pearn worked with as a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series. During their 179-race career together, the duo collected 24 wins and were genuine title contenders nearly every season. 2019 was the first season Pearn had to move with his driver to a new team, and this decision influenced his decision to step away from NASCAR racing for a bit.
Do you think Martin Truex Jr. holds a grudge against his former crew chief?
Pearn wanted to spend more time with his family instead of being on the race track, and while this decision came as a shock to Martin Truex Jr., he respected his decision. Sharing the details of how he reacted to the abrupt end of his NASCAR career, MTJ said, “It was hard for me to understand for a minute. I never questioned him or tried to talk him out of it. Or tell him, you know, oh, come on, do another year. I knew that’s what he wanted to do; you know, it’s his life, it’s his decision, and I was okay with that.”
Also, Pearn’s decision came as a big surprise because they were having a good run in 2019, earning seven wins but falling short in the championship race. “I think he knew before the championship race or maybe at some point during the playoff race that he probably wasn’t going to make it next year. Nobody knew except him. I remember when he told me, I was so shocked because I didn’t see it coming or feel it coming. He was 110 percent until he wasn’t. So I can appreciate that,” Truex Jr. added.
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
Following in the footsteps of his former crew chief, the JGR driver also announced that he will retire from NASCAR Cup Series racing at the end of 2024. However, he left the door open to running a few races, and this decision took his friend Dale Jr. by surprise.
Victory at the Daytona 500 still eludes him
When Truex Jr. announced his retirement from NASCAR racing, Dale Jr. was sure he would be out in the desert enjoying his free time fishing, away from the hustle and bustle of racing. However, it turns out MTJ wasn’t lying when he announced his retirement when he said he would run a couple races. Heck, he’s now open to racing in the Truck Series as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll probably run the Daytona 500. It’s not a done deal yet, but I feel like it shouldn’t be too hard to get it done. I’ll definitely run some Xfinity Series races – I don’t know if it’ll be two, five or six. Maybe even some truck races here and there if I could get something done,” he said in an interview with Dale Jr.
Well, it’s really hard to keep a race car driver off the track. That’s also true in the case of Martin Truex Jr., who is still looking for a Daytona 500 win.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.