Former NASCAR Driver Martin Truex Jr. Shares Heartfelt Message to NASCAR Team After Becoming Multi-Million Dollar Co-Owner in NHRA Drag Racing**
**By [Your Name] | [Publication Name] | April 3, 2025**
**CHARLOTTE, N.C.** – Just months after stepping away from full-time NASCAR competition, **Martin Truex Jr.** has reemerged in a new lane—literally. The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion is officially making the jump into the **NHRA drag racing world** as a **multi-million dollar co-owner** of a new Pro Stock team, a move that has stunned fans and reenergized Truex’s post-driving chapter.
But before diving headfirst into 1,000-foot passes and nitro-fueled intensity, Truex made sure to pause and look back. In a surprise video and accompanying open letter shared Tuesday night, the 43-year-old delivered a **deeply emotional message** to his former NASCAR team, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), and the entire stock car racing community that defined his career.
> “No matter where life takes me next, I will always be a racer at heart—and NASCAR will always be home,” Truex said in the video, voice heavy with gratitude. “To everyone at JGR, Furniture Row, DEI, MWR, and all the people behind the scenes—you shaped me into who I am.”
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## **A New Era Begins: Martin Truex Jr., NHRA Team Co-Owner**
Truex’s announcement came just weeks after the NHRA Winter Nationals, where his presence in the paddock sparked rumors about a business move. On Monday, it was confirmed that Truex has become **co-owner of Apex Velocity Racing**, a newly-formed Pro Stock team featuring standout driver **Maya Thompson**, a 26-year-old phenom already turning heads in her rookie season.
Truex, now a key financial backer and brand strategist for the team, is said to have invested **north of $15 million** to launch the program alongside partner and longtime motorsports investor **Rick Harlan**.
> “I’ve always loved the raw horsepower, the engineering, the precision of drag racing,” Truex said in a press release. “This is an exciting new chapter—not just for me, but for growing motorsports in general.”
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## **From Cup Series Champion to Businessman**
Few drivers have left as complete a legacy as Martin Truex Jr. did in NASCAR. Over a 19-year Cup Series career, he notched:
– **34 career Cup wins**
– **One Cup Series Championship (2017)**
– **Five Championship 4 appearances**
– A reputation as one of the most respected, humble, and consistent drivers of his era
But while many athletes retire quietly or fade from public view, Truex is choosing evolution.
> “I’ve always said racing is what I do, but it’s not the only thing I’m about,” he said. “This is a chance to invest in people, in performance, and in building something new.”
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## **A Message from the Heart: Gratitude & Closure**
In his heartfelt message to the NASCAR world, Truex opened up about the emotional difficulty of walking away and the lifelong bonds he’s formed.
> “To Coach Gibbs—thank you for believing in me when I needed it most. To Cole Pearn, wherever you are, I hope you’re proud. We did something special together. And to every mechanic, hauler driver, PR rep, engineer, and fan—I felt your support every single lap.”
He also addressed his longtime fans:
> “You lifted me up after losses. You celebrated with me in victory. You stuck by me in good times and bad. I’ll never be able to repay that, but I promise to carry your support into every new challenge.”
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## **The NASCAR Garage Reacts: Respect and Admiration**
News of Truex’s drag racing venture—and his emotional farewell message—sparked reactions from across the NASCAR community.
– **Denny Hamlin**: “Martin is the definition of class. A hell of a teammate, a true friend, and someone who never stopped grinding. He’ll crush it in NHRA too.”
– **Kevin Harvick** (retired NASCAR champion): “Martin making the jump to ownership is awesome. That’s how you build a second career that still shapes the future of racing.”
– **Christopher Bell**, who took over the JGR No. 19 seat full-time this year: “Big shoes to fill. Honored to follow in his footsteps and glad he’s still part of racing—even if it’s in a straight line now.”
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## **NHRA Meets NASCAR: A Crossover Moment**
Truex’s move isn’t just a personal career shift—it’s a symbolic bridge between **stock car racing and drag racing**, two motorsports worlds that rarely overlap.
NHRA President **Glen Cromwell** welcomed the former NASCAR star:
> “Martin brings a championship pedigree, fan loyalty, and a sharp business mind. We’re thrilled to have him join the NHRA family and help take Pro Stock to new heights.”
The crossover is also expected to bring new fans to NHRA—especially as Truex’s social media presence and name recognition extend into this next phase.
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## **Apex Velocity Racing: The Vision Ahead**
Truex and his team have high hopes for Apex Velocity Racing.
The outfit, based in **Mooresville, NC**, will field one full-time Pro Stock entry in 2025, with expansion plans already rumored. Their driver, Maya Thompson, has already secured top-5 finishes in two of the first five races this season.
> “Working with Maya is incredible,” said Truex. “She’s fearless, smart, and exactly the kind of driver I want to build around.”
The team will also focus on:
– Innovative engineering and data modeling
– Sustainability efforts in drag racing technology
– Community engagement, especially STEM programs for youth
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## **Looking Ahead: Will Truex Ever Return to NASCAR?**
In his message, Truex left the door slightly cracked open.
> “Never say never. I’m not putting on a helmet again—but if the right opportunity to help a team, call a race, or guide young drivers comes along, I’ll always listen.”
Some insiders believe Truex could eventually become a full-time NASCAR team advisor, or even return to the broadcast booth as a guest analyst—roles he’s dabbled in during past off-weeks.
For now, though, his eyes are locked on the dragstrip.
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## **Final Thoughts: A Champion’s Legacy Continues**
Martin Truex Jr. may have said goodbye to NASCAR’s high banks and mile-and-a-half ovals, but he hasn’t walked away from racing. He’s simply found a **new frontier**—and he’s bringing his fans, heart, and competitive fire with him.
> “I’ll always be thankful for NASCAR,” he said, wrapping up his message. “But life’s about growth. About new stories. And this next chapter—it’s going to be one hell of a ride.”
From stock cars to straight-line rockets, Truex is proving that the road forward doesn’t always have to loop back. Sometimes, it’s about flooring it into something entirely new.
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**[Stay tuned for exclusive interviews with Martin Truex Jr. and NHRA’s Maya Thompson, only on [Publication Name].]**
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