Silly Season, which takes place in the middle of the NASCAR season, is where anything and everything can and will happen. What happens if Martin Truex Jr. retires? Who could replace him in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car?
Beyond the obvious alterations, Stewart-Haas Racing may undergo a number of adjustments next year. Martin Truex Jr. will make one of the crucial selections for the third consecutive year.
He has elected to stay at JGR and compete in the Cup Series for the past two years. Truex currently has a one-year driver option. If he wants to return, it’s his ride. If he can now step aside.
According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, JGR is waiting to hear from Truex about whether he wants to race in 2025. The 19 team is currently leading in points but has yet to win a game this season.
According to Pockrass, there are a few drivers who may replace Martin Truex Jr. if he decides to retire this season.
Chase Briscoe is the inaugural SHR driver. While Briscoe has spent the majority of his racing career with Ford, he was considered for the Toyota ride at Joe Gibbs Racing. Briscoe has won in the Cup Series and is regarded as a talent who could thrive in the appropriate environment. He also receives sponsorship.
There are other candidates, however.
Martin Truex Jr’s successor list
Aside from Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing can always look inside the Toyota camp. There is a lot of youthful talent in the lower series, and they are keeping an eye on a driver in the Cup Series right now.
Erik Jones of Legacy Motor Club could be a potential replacement for Martin Truex Jr. if he retired. Jones was at JGR in the Cup Series from 2018 to 2020, and before that in the Xfinity Series. Could they form a new partnership?
Bob Pockrass also mentioned Noah Gragson as a possible replacement for Martin Truex Jr. Gragson is sponsored by Bass Pro, so the group might potentially continue that association. This season, Gragson has finished in the top five and has five top-10s.
Chandler Smith currently races in the Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. He may theoretically be a replacement, but he is still extremely young and could be picked up by another team if there is an opening. Corey Heim is a Toyota prospect and arguably the most gifted, although he could join 23XI Racing if they add a third team in 2025.
Everything relies on what Martin Truex Jr. wants to do.
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