Martin Truex Jr. on Denny Hamlin, overtime at Richmond: 'Didn't really appreciate a teammate racing me like that'
Martin Truex Jr. was not happy after losing to Denny Hamlin at the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday night. After the race, Truex spoke to reporters about the lead slipping away in overtime.
“Unfortunately, it’s happened to us a few times at Richmond,” Truex said. “Leading the whole race, and then some stupid, dumbass move brings out a caution.”
Truex went on to say the incident “ruined” the night for him. “It was unfortunate, but awesome job by my team.”
Truex finished second but felt the win was taken away from him by Hamlin. He led more than half of the race, but when overtime came, Hamlin took the lead and never looked back.
“I felt like 11 used up down there in turn one and I didn’t really appreciate a teammate racing me like that,” Truex said. “I wish he would have gave me a chance, but that’s the way it is.”
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Both Hamlin and Truex compete for Joe Gibbs Racing and are off to strong starts to the 2024 season. Heading into the Richmond race, Truex had the top spot in the standings while Hamlin came in at No. 4. Hamlin has now won two races this season and 53 for his career.
Martin Truex Jr. could be competing in his final season
Truex has put together a legendary career. He won the Cup Series championship in 2017 and claimed the regular season title that year and in 2023. In his career, Truex has won 34 Cup Series races, including the Coca-Cola 600 twice. Last year, Truex signed a one-year contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing after not being too sure about his future.
“That is what takes so long to figure it out,” Truex said at the time. “I’ve come to terms with all of that obviously, and I’m looking forward to continuing all of that. It is part of the job. It comes with the territory. You are not going to half-ass this job. I’m ready. I’m excited. We’ve got a great thing going. My team is amazing. They are doing great things. Love working with them, and happy to keep this going.”
Truex has finished in the top 10 in the last five races but has yet to get his first victory of the year. He will try again next Sunday when the drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.