Joe Gibbs yet to decide on Martin Truex Jr.’s replacement for 2025

With Martin Truex Jr. retiring from full-time NASCAR racing, Joe Gibbs has big shoes to fill in the No. 19 car or possibly rebranding the car. Right now, it appears that Gibbs has not selected the replacement.

Rumors are circulating about who could replace Martin Truex Jr. for 2025 and beyond. It won’t be easy no matter who steps into the car. Those rumors have named Chandler Smith, Chase Briscoe, and others as potential drivers for JGR next year.

At today’s press conference, Joe Gibbs wanted all of the focus on Truex. So, no word really on who will be on the team next season. We just know it won’t be the guy in the car right now.

“We’re still working on all that and so we just want to focus right now on Martin and all that stuff will take place later on,” Gibbs explained. “So, we’re thrilled to kind of be here supporting, all of our guys are here. Martin means a lot to us.”

There are a lot of drivers who could theoretically replace Martin Truex Jr. Joe Gibbs Racing has great sponsorship partners that have been on the 19 car for years. Some are likely to leave, some could potentially stay.

While sponsorship will be important, Gibbs can make that work and fill in gaps if he has to. Between Interstate, Yahoo, Reser’s, Rheem, and others – Gibbs has partners if a new driver needs them to get involved.

I expect JGR to pick someone with Cup Series experience and likely with strong sponsorship ties. Chase Briscoe is a name that fulfills both of those prerequisites, but time will tell.

Martin Truex Jr. ready to retire after long career

In a couple of years, Martin Truex Jr. is going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His NASCAR career includes two Xfinity championships as well as the 2017 Cup Series title. That is just a small glimpse into everything that Truex has accomplished so far in his career, with half a season left to go.

After two decades of being on a NASCAR schedule year-round, missing important moments in his family and friends’ lives, Truex is hanging it up. It has been a great ride, but one that has almost reached its conclusion.

“Just felt like the right time for me,” Truex said in his press conference. “Honestly, I’ve thought about it a lot the past few seasons and just waited for, waited for that feeling in my mind to be positive. Like, this is, okay I’m good, I want to do something else. Yeah, something just felt different this year for me I felt like it was time to slow down and do something else. It’s been a great ride, though, obviously.”

Joe Gibbs Racing has to move on now. Martin Truex Jr. won’t be in the No. 19 next season. Who is their driver of the future and who would you like to see in the car in 2025?