Martin Truex Jr. reacts to Pocono Raceway painting his name across start-finish line

With Martin Truex Jr. set to call it a career at the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, Pocono Raceway found a way to honor him during Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400.

“Truex Jr” has been painted at the start-finish line at the Tricky Triangle in what could be his final race at the 2.5-mile track. Truex said Saturday the gesture from Pocono is “special,” and he just hopes he’s the first car to cross it on Lap 160.

Pocono officials have painted "Truex Jr" across the start-finish line. Martin Truex Jr. said he is embracing it as he knows the tributes during his final full-time Cup season are coming. pic.twitter.com/sxhlwBAFoH

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 14, 2024

“I’d say I’m ready to embrace it,” Truex told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “I was actually surprised at seeing that two days ago and you know, as a driver, I’ve been around, and you just don’t ever feel like you’re deserving of things like that. For Pocono to do that, for the speedway to do that is very special. I think it means a lot to me and my family. Definitely really cool to see and hopefully we’re the first one to cross it tomorrow.”

Martin Truex Jr. enters Pocono as one of the favorites

Truex is one of the favorites at Pocono, having won twice at track in his career. His car was fast in practice, and he qualified third. Truex had race-winning speed earlier in the campaign but has hit a lull in recent months. Dating back to Darlington in early May, Truex has tallied just one top-10 finish, a P9 result at New Hampshire. He still sits fifth in the points standings and has a 94.80% chance at making the playoffs.

“Speed-wise, aside from maybe last week and in Iowa, we’ve been solid,” Truex said. “So just need to capitalize on that and execute. You know, takes a lot of things to finish it up front, lead laps, win races other than just having a fast car. So hopefully, we can put it all together this weekend. Hopefully, this is a normal straightforward weekend, and we can have a good day today and execute tomorrow. And we’ll be up front, we’ll be in good shape.”