Despite Cold Shouldering Joe Gibbs, MTJ Drops a Surprising 7-Word Revelation on Their Dynamic

NASCAR is a sport like no other. Here, the team owners actively participate in decision-making and keep the wheels running through financial backing. Thus, this allows the bosses in charge to develop a bond and relationship with their drivers, and the JGR boss, Joe Gibbs, has achieved that over the years. However, there were questions regarding his equation with Martin Truex Jr., who was visibly frustrated after losing the race to his teammate, Denny Hamlin, at Richmond.

The incident was captured after the race when the coach tried to chat with Truex Jr. But, with the emotions riding high, the driver ignored his team owner and continued walking off the pit road. Fortunately, that was just a one-off incident, and Truex Jr. has now confessed that he should have talked to Joe Gibbs after the Richmond heartbreak.

There are no bitter feelings between Joe Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr.

All four JGR drivers were recently featured on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour Podcast. Speaking on multiple topics regarding racing, the former SHR driver was interested in knowing the driver’s equation with their team boss. Thus, it set the stage for the New Jersey native driver to come clean on his mistake at Richmond.

He spoke about being in the good books of his team owner, Gibbs. Martin Truex Jr. stated, “Honestly, I’ve never been yelled at by the coach. I mean, we’ve had lots and lots of conversations, and he has never yelled at me, so I guess I’m doing okay.“ Harvick made the most of this opportunity and asked him about the incident at Richmond, where he turned a blind eye towards the coach.

“What did he say on the pit road when you were walking by him at Richmond?“ Harvick enquired. “It was the most classic reaction that I have ever seen. Have you watched it? 

To which he replied, “No.“ Harvick enquired, “You walk by him, and he kicks his leg.“ To this, the veteran driver then replied, “Well, I should have said something.”

Interestingly, despite Truex Jr. potentially competing in his last few seasons of NASCAR racing, he feels like he is going strong. And he has marked another championship on his bucket list.

The veteran hints about a prolonged stay competing in NASCAR

The veteran JGR driver will become the oldest driver racing in the Cup Series this June when he turns 44. While it seems like the end of the road is nearing for the driver, he believes he still has a lot to offer. Hinting that he might not call it quits from racing anytime soon.

Talking in an interview with Jeff Gluck, he shared his goals for the 2024 season, stating, “Another championship. Get that done, and get the hell out of here. I mean, sitting here right now? I would say yeah, I think I could. But I don’t know at the moment. It’s going to be harder to stop doing this than I think.“ He further elaborated on how he still feels fresh despite turning gray with every season.

“I’ve had a few issues over the years here and there, but generally speaking, I still feel great… Never really had any issues; knock on wood again. I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been—in the car, during the race, after the race, all the things it takes — and I feel like I’m as sharp as ever. They say you know when you lose a step, but hopefully, it’ll be a little while.”

Interestingly, Truex does find himself in an excellent position, placed second in the leaderboards after 10 Cup starts this season. The only thing that can further spark his title charge will be a win, and Dover just seems like the right place for him to end his drought.