Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, will come out of retirement to compete for a spot in the 2025 Daytona 500 with Tricon Garage. The 44-year-old driver, who retired after the 2024 season, will pilot the No. 56 Toyota sponsored by his longtime partner, Bass Pro Shops.
Truex’s Impressive Career
During his 21-year career in NASCAR’s top series, Truex amassed an impressive 34 wins and 291 top-10 finishes. Despite his success, the New Jersey native has never won the Daytona 500 in 20 attempts, coming closest in 2016 when he finished runner-up to Denny Hamlin by a mere 0.010 seconds.
Tricon Garage’s First Cup Series Entry
Tricon Garage, owned by former driver David Gilliland, will make its first Cup Series entry at the prestigious Daytona 500. Gilliland expressed his confidence in Truex, stating, “Having raced against Martin for many years, I can confidently say there’s no stronger competitor I’d want behind the wheel for our first Cup Series entry at the sport’s most prestigious race.”
As an open entry, Tricon Garage acknowledges the challenges ahead but believes Truex will put them in the best position to succeed. Gilliland, who has previously sat on pole at Daytona, now aims to celebrate in Victory Lane.
The Road to the Daytona 500
To secure a spot in the Feb. 16 running of the “Great American Race,” Truex must qualify through the Daytona Duels on Feb. 13. The Duels, a pair of 150-mile qualifying races, determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500.
Truex’s attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 adds an exciting storyline to the highly anticipated event, as fans will eagerly watch to see if the veteran driver can secure a spot in the field and potentially claim his first victory in NASCAR’s most iconic race.
