Martin Truex Jr.’s No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team has showcased impressive speed throughout the 2024 NASCAR season. Across eight races, he’s led laps in all but two, amassing 352 laps led, the third-highest among series drivers.
However, his recent 18th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway marked his worst performance of the season, the only instance where he wasn’t running on the lead lap at the race’s conclusion. Despite this, Truex holds second place in the series standings with 295 points, trailing leader Kyle Larson by 14. Within Joe Gibbs Racing, all four drivers rank 11th or higher, with two, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, securing victories.
Truex remains optimistic about his team’s ability to transition from consistent performance to outright victory. Expressing confidence in their potential, he acknowledges the need to address certain areas for improvement, particularly in pit stops. He emphasizes the team’s dedication and hard work, highlighting their consistent speed and overall performance. Truex anticipates securing their first win of the season in the near future.
The upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway presents a promising opportunity for Truex to break into the winner’s circle. Historically, he has excelled at 1.5-mile intermediate tracks like Texas, securing 12 of his 34 career wins on similar circuits. Despite his strong track record at Texas, including 17 top-10 finishes in 34 starts, Truex has yet to claim victory there. Reflecting on past experiences, he acknowledges both successes and challenges faced at the track since its repaving.
Truex expresses confidence in his team’s potential to perform well at Texas based on recent showings. Despite numerous pole positions and laps led, victory has remained elusive at the track. However, he remains optimistic about their chances given their recent performances. Truex approaches the upcoming race with determination and a belief in his team’s capabilities to secure a long-awaited win at Texas Motor Speedway.
