A dominant force in NASCAR, Martin Truex Jr.'s legacy is deeply intertwined with Toyota's success, particularly during his remarkable 2017 championship season.

The 2017 season proved magical for Truex and Toyota, culminating in a championship victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That year, he secured eight wins, led 2,253 laps, won 19 stages, and claimed the regular season title. His consistency was remarkable, achieving an average finish of 9.4 across 36 races.

This success didn't come overnight. After joining Furniture Row Racing in 2014, the team's switch to Toyota in 2016 laid the groundwork for their championship run. Despite a promising 2016 season with four wins, an engine failure at Talladega cut their championship hopes short.

The 2017 playoff run showcased Truex's excellence, with four wins and nine top-five finishes in 10 races. The championship battle came down to Truex, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Brad Keselowski, with Toyota drivers dominating the final stretch of the season.

Truex's relationship with Toyota began during his 2010-2013 stint with Michael Waltrip Racing. After the 2013 Richmond incident, Toyota executives helped guide him to Furniture Row Racing, believing in the team's potential. This decision proved crucial, as Truex would go on to win 32 races in Toyota vehicles across his time with Waltrip, Furniture Row, and Joe Gibbs Racing.

TRD President David Wilson particularly values Truex's character, dubbing it "the good dude factor." Beyond his on-track achievements, Truex's grace and professionalism have left an indelible mark on Toyota's racing legacy, cementing his future place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Related Articles

Previous Articles