A lot is on the line this weekend in Phoenix. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship will be decided amongst the Championship Four drivers. Certainly, that will take the headlines. However, there are some folks in NASCAR who deserve some more love this weekend. Martin Truex Jr. will be making his final full-time Cup Series start. Sunday’s race also marks the final race for Stewart-Haas Racing as an organization. So, I’m writing this piece as a fond farewell to both Truex and SHR.
The sport won’t be the same without Martin and Stewart-Haas in general. You’re talking about a NASCAR Champion driver and a Championship winning team here. But before they strap in on Sunday, it’s time to reflect on what both have meant to the sport. So here goes.
A Fond Farewell to Martin Truex Jr and Stewart Haas Racing:
Thank You for Your Contributions Martin,
🗣️ "The good days were amazing, the tough days were really hard. But it made you appreciate and it made you understand what it meant to be a winner in this series, to be a champion."@MartinTruex_Jr reflects on the checkered flag flying on his full-time #NASCAR career. pic.twitter.com/cJExKJLXAf
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 9, 2024
First off Martin, you have meant so much to the sport, with your dedication to every team and organization you ever drove for. To see you rise from Dale Earnhardt Jr’s original Xfinity Series team Chance2 Motorsports and win back-to-back titles in that series in 2004 and 2005, to a full-time Cup racer in 2006 for DEI. Everyone knew you had the talent, so when that first win came in 2007 at Dover, things were only looking up.
Sure you had a bumpy road after that only winning one other time with the former Michael Waltrip Racing between 2008 and 2013. That made everything special when you found a home with Furniture Row. 16 wins and the 2017 Cup Championship with Barney Visser and those guys certainly were an outstanding accomplishment. That run certainly rejuvenated your career, and it was a great run.
Those guys closing down was a sad moment I’m sure, but to make a seamless move to Joe Gibbs Racing certainly kept you in a good place. 15 more wins with those guys was an outstanding run. Sure with Phoenix being your final race as a full-time driver, and not having a win in 2024, is a tough way to go out. That Number 19 Bass Pro Shops red paint scheme sure is going to look great starting on the pole this weekend.
20 years went by too fast.
Martin Truex Jr.’s final paint scheme as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver is inspired by his debut car from 2004. pic.twitter.com/92RFhWXqNl
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 9, 2024
I’m glad you get to run a great scheme reminiscent of your first Cup start. The fans certainly appreciate it. So in closing, Thank you Martin for the memories. You had an outstanding career.
SHR You won’t be forgotten
Sure it’s a new era in the sport, but Stewart-Haas Racing will live forever. Sure the writing was on the wall when Kevin Harvick retired after the 2023 season. Did I think it meant the complete end of SHR, no I certainly didn’t. But business is business. Tony Stewart has meant so much to this sport for so long, it’s going to be weird not hearing that name involved anymore.
From scrappy underdogs to the team to beat –
Fueled by attitude, passion, & belief.
We didn’t just win,
We made a mark.
And our DNA will carry on.Narrated by @MartySmithESPN pic.twitter.com/toy7EVSx4S
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) November 6, 2024
I don’t know how many people it hasn’t sunk in for yet, but the fact that SHR won’t be in the field next year kinda sucks. I will miss seeing the No. 4, and No. 14. Both meant so much for that organization. To think one of the most winningest crew chiefs of the last 15 years won’t be sitting atop the No. 4 box anymore is still crazy. I’m glad most have found new homes, especially Rodney Childers. That guy knows how to get the best out of a driver.
A bunch of racers who carried the SHR banner.
We will always be grateful for you. pic.twitter.com/eokwOUazPa
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) November 7, 2024
To everyone who has ever driven or worked for SHR, it’s sad to see you go, but know you won’t soon be forgotten in NASCAR history.
Hey, am I by no means a fan of Truex or SHR for that matter, but I understand what they have meant to this sport I love. I’m happy to see them feel some love this weekend. Like every other driver and team that went away or retired. They at least deserve their flowers.
