
Well, that didn’t take long. Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is coming out of retirement for a shot at the Daytona 500. But what makes this story more than just another comeback is his reunion with longtime crew chief Cole Pearn who himself retreated to the Canadian north in 2019. The duo, who claimed 24 victories and a championship together, will team up once again as Truex pilots the No. 56 Toyota for Tricon Garage in NASCAR’s biggest race on February 16.
Truex retired from full-time competition after the 2024 season, capping off a career that included 34 Cup Series wins and two Xfinity Series championships. However, even during his retirement announcement, Truex hinted at leaving the door open for select races, particularly the Daytona 500. This marks his 21st attempt at the iconic race, where his closest finish came in 2016, losing to Denny Hamlin by a mere 0.010 seconds.
The reunion with Pearn is a headline-worthy moment for NASCAR fans. The pair formed one of the sport’s most dominant partnerships during their time at Furniture Row Racing, making four Championship 4 appearances and delivering a Cup Series title in 2017. Pearn, who left NASCAR in 2019 to pursue a quieter life, will step back onto the pit box for this special entry.
“It’s going to be a really cool deal to be able to work with Cole and have the number 56 again,” Truex said in a team release. “I really appreciate everyone at Bass Pro Shops, Tricon, and Toyota for helping put this together. I can’t think of a better time to go win the thing for Johnny Morris.”
The No. 56 Toyota will carry sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops, a partner of Truex since his Cup debut in 2004. The entry is unchartered, meaning Truex will need to qualify for the race. However, with support from Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, expectations are high for the debut effort from Tricon Garage in the Cup Series.
David Gilliland, owner of Tricon Garage and a former Cup driver himself, is optimistic about the team’s chances. “Having raced against Martin for many years, I can confidently say there’s no stronger competitor I’d want behind the wheel for our first Cup Series entry,” Gilliland said. “As an open entry, we know the road ahead will be challenging, but Martin and Cole give us a strong shot.”
For Tricon Garage, this marks a significant milestone, stepping into the Cup Series after establishing itself as a powerhouse in the Truck Series. The organization, which fields five full-time Truck teams, will lean on its partnership with Toyota and years of experience to make its mark on NASCAR’s most prestigious race.
For Truex and Pearn, the Daytona 500 represents not only a chance to compete but also an opportunity to recapture the magic of their championship-winning days. As they prepare for the challenge ahead, one thing is certain: their return has already reignited excitement among fans and added another layer of intrigue to the “Great American Race.”
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