Martin Truex Jr. Set to Compete in Daytona 500, Reunite with Cole Pearn
Martin Truex Jr. is preparing to participate in the Daytona 500 and reunite with his former crew chief Cole Pearn.
In June, Truex announced that he will no longer be a full-time driver after this season, but he revealed his plans for the season-opening race on Wednesday at the NASCAR playoffs media day in Charlotte, N.C.
\"That\'s correct. I was not aware it was such big news,\" Truex said. \"I assumed people already knew, so I may have revealed it prematurely.\"
Pearn retired in 2019 after serving as the crew chief for Truex's team for five seasons (2015-19). During their time together, they achieved 24 wins and won the Cup Series title in 2017. Pearn has since become a consultant for Joe Gibbs Racing, and Truex believes their chemistry is still strong.
\"We do not communicate frequently, but when we do, it feels like old times,\" Truex, 44, stated. \"He can read me like a book. He knows exactly what I am thinking. He is a special individual. He is unlike anyone I have ever known. He knows everything. He has the answer to everything. And he tells you things that make you wonder, how did he know that?\"
Truex, who enters the playoffs as the No. 16 seed in the 16-driver field, has not disclosed specific details about his potential part-time status next year, but he has narrowed down the number he would like on his car.
\"It will probably be either 78 or 56. 78 is our championship number (in 2017), which holds a special significance for me, of course,\" said Truex, who drove the No. 56 for Michael Waltrip Racing from 2010 to 2013 and the No. 78 with Furniture Row Racing from 2014 to 2018. \"And my number has always been 56, so we will see.\"
