Martin Truex Jr. on Retirement, The Moment His Career Almost Ended, and Plans to Run The Daytona 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down for a conversation with his longtime friend and 2017 NASCAR Cup Champion Martin Truex Jr. With his recent retirement announcement in the rearview mirror, Dale Jr. is anxious to connect with Martin and see what his plans are for the future. At the time of the interview, Martin is preparing to embark on a fishing trip in his home state of New Jersey, which gives listeners a good idea of what he’ll be spending his time doing once he’s no longer behind the wheel full-time. Martin explains that over the last couple of years, he had been making more trips home to New Jersey and enjoyed connecting with his family and friends, so he recently purchased a house in his hometown.
Dale inquires as to what kind of racing fans might see Martin doing in the future, to which he answers that he’ll likely be running the Daytona 500, some Xfinity events, and even a NASCAR Truck in the coming years. Martin also expresses interest in getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR modified and competing in the Turkey Derby at his home track, Wall Stadium, where he started his racing career in the late 90s. On the topic of hunting and being a full-time sportsman, Dale plants the seed of Martin possibly hosting his own outdoors show, helping to further the brand and mission state of Bass Pro Shops, of which Martin has had a long-running partnership with since first coming together at Chance 2 Motorsports in 2003.
The conversation looks at the two halves of Martin’s NASCAR Cup career and how his journey to the top of stock car racing almost didn’t happen, his working relationship with Cole Pearn and what his thoughts are currently on the NextGen Car.
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00:00 - Martin Truex Jr.'s Retirement Announcement and Future Plans
02:08 - Fishing and Life in New Jersey
07:48 - Running Races
13:14 - Friendship and Championship Win
28:07 - The Surprising Strategies that Led to Wins
30:31 - Respecting Cole Pearn's Decision to Leave
34:51 - Challenges of the Next Gen Car
41:43 - Involvement in Businesses and Passion for Hunting
50:52 - Excitement for the Next Chapter of Life

[@briancockrum5233]

Martin is the most underrated driver in Nascar. He’s a really good person as well as being a clean driver too.

[@ttjohnson9561]

Martin is a great, kind, and a superior driver in my mind

[@JKUOff-Road]

Only Gibbs driver I have ever supported. Martin is a good feller.

[@JGR4LIFE20]

Not even Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth, or Carl Edwards?

[@roberthevern6169]

I fully understand! Martin is so laid back! Only JGR driver I don't mind when he wins!

[@Bload72productions]

​@@JGR4LIFE20Dude If the 4 car line up was those three plus Martin at a single point of time, it'd be the dream team.

[@zumptt]

@@JGR4LIFE20 Carl Edwards was talented, but man was he a d bag just ask Kenseth lol.

[@B-A-L]

Me too and the last!

[@chiphappened]

I’m ALL-IN on a Truex Outdoor show!! Great show @DirtyMoMedia 🇺🇸

[@TheBlueCollarChaplainPodcast]

Dirty Mo Media should just produce the show. They did an amazing job with the lost speedway documentary.

[@jamiehumphrey882]

Martin doing a hunting, fishing and outdoor show…brought to you by Bass Pro Shops…that’s an outstanding idea…if only there was a media company that could put that together and pull it off. Surely Dale Jr. knows of some media company that could do that! Wishing Martin the best in the future, he will be missed as a regular in the Cup series.

[@mikewalls6268]

Maybe dirty Mo media could make that outdoor show happen.

[@jenniferdavis1193]

You got me into NASCAR in the 78. Thanks for all the fun. You’re a class act.

[@cd2612]

Same here.

[@Commentleaver-c6x]

He should have married sherry.

[@ttjohnson9561]

He had me when he was staying at Jr's place a long time ago. Modified genius!!

[@sharonparkes695]

I love Martin and Dale's friendship ❤

[@wadebean3919]

I've always liked Martin as a racer and just a good all around good person. Good guest Dale

[@gainesdavis6523]

I have been a Martin Truex since he drove for Dale Jr. In the Xfinity series. He is a genuine good man...I believe....I hope he has all success and happiness in his new endeavors....and look forward to seeing him in the Xfinity series again next year.

[@LoseMike-og9in]

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to pay off our mortgage early. We were both still working, and took the payment amount that we had been using to pay off our mortgage faster and we put it straight into investments. We were able to retire early because of almost 7 years of putting away what would have been our mortgage payment as well as maxing out our 401K/403B plans. Thankfully we were taught by both of our parents the value of living within our means. Thank you for your advice. I know it will help people. we are interested in investments that could set me up for retirement , I mean I've heard of people that netted hundreds of thousands during these crash, I listened to someone on a podcast who earned over $650K in less than a year, what's the strategy behind such returns?

[@LoveFrank-cp7tv]

Investing without proper guidance can lead to mistakes and losses. I've learned this from my own experience.If you're new to investing or don't have much time, it's best to get advice from an expert.

[@VictorB.Henrickson]

Even with the right strategies and appropriate assets, investment returns can differ among investors. Recognizing the vital role of experience in investment success is crucial. Personally, I understood this significance and sought guidance from a market analyst, significantly growing my account to nearly a million. Strategically withdrawing profits just before the market correction, I'm now seizing buying opportunities once again.

[@CharlesEvans-fj6gl]

How can one find a verifiable financial planner? I would not mind looking up the professional that helped you. I will be retiring in two years and I might need some management on my much larger portfolio. Don't want to take any chances.

[@VictorB.Henrickson]

Deborah Lynn Dilling is the licensed advisor I use.Just research the name. You'd find necessary details to work with to set up an appointment

[@JermaineW.Hoskins]

She appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran an online search on her name and came across her website; thank you for sharing.

[@cd2612]

Boy am i going to miss MTJ on the track every Sunday. He's the reason i started watching Nascar.

[@andrewsmith7367]

Truex and Dale are such good people.Its so great to see Dale and Truex having fun .

[@RussellJankowiak]

Martin you are everyman's driver. Your humbleness is proof positive. We are all rooting for you. Go get em and bring home the big trophy. Can't wait to congratulate you after Phoinex.

[@pierredclark]

Gonna miss you MTJ! 19/78 forever

[@user-lr5bo3ip8i]

Did you forget the #1 or just to baby to know

[@pierredclark]

@@user-lr5bo3ip8i He was in that car for a year calm down

[@isaiahmarker407]

​@@pierredclark he drove the #1 in cup from 2006-2009 lol. He was in the #56 from 2010-2013. #78 from 2014-2018. #19 from 2019-2024

[@martinbureau-russell8082]

Been my favourite driver since I started watching nascar with my family and went to Daytona to see the 500 in 2011

[@bighand1530]

Cool

[@michaelhanewich245]

Great idea for doing an outdoors show. Just do it on KZbin. Your pace, your rules.

[@chrisbarrettFilmstudio]

Outdoors with Martin Truex Jr and Hank Parker sr presented by Dirty Mo Media

[@MichaelKlein-ul6zf]

The only way this works is if Dale interviews him while he's doing it

[@sharonsims2192]

After Junior retired I started following Martin. A true class act. He is so down to earth and one of the GOATS. These young guys take getting use to it just isn’t like it was before.!!!! Good luck Martin!!!

[@davids5006]

Now who will you switch to?

[@78northwest80]

These interviews are always the best in regards to Dale, and Martin's friendship and the connection in racing they share...great to hear Martin's thoughts and outlook on things in his personal life and professional racing career...

[@toddschlicher]

He’s just like Jr in regards to being really down to earth. Such an easy going guy.

[@crystalclear3510]

Started watching NASCAR in 2016 all because of Truex Jr. I'm from the islands so my friends find it strange I'm a huge NASCAR fan. Gonna miss him a lot. Won't have any taste to watch a race on Sunday without him behind the wheel. #78 Coke 600, 2016. The best to ever do it.

[@SamMassie-nw6nv]

I’m gonna miss you Martin, you have been my driver since Dale Jr retired! You’re a good man and one hell of a race car driver! Best of luck in your future endeavors, God Bless!

[@roberthevern6169]

MTJ! In the house!! Gonna miss you, so win one before you sail off into the boat on the lake! Go get that Daytona 500!

[@MRosati5000]

Dale Jr. and Martin Jr. are alway's fun.

[@jamesrussian255]

Hope the best for Martin. Great person. 👍

[@ttjohnson9561]

I'm an old fan who was lucky enough to be in Daytona twice a yearsince I was a little 9 year old and was a Sr fan Jr fan and a Truex family fan. Won A championship in modifiers in 94 in st pete fl. Thx so much Dale for this interview with I think one of your best friends. Live you both and can't hear from Dirty Mo enough. As a sixty year old man you both are my hero's in life.❤

[@gcrauwels941]

Man, I feel like I'm going to miss MTJ as much as I miss Jr. I'm glad he's going to still run some races though. He's an outstanding guy and loved his tenacity on the track.

[@nickdillon6605]

Been a MTJ Fan since I met him in a NR2003 server years ago. Great guy, down to earth. Gonna miss him on track. Hope he does a hunting/fishing podcast or something.

[@dennisg.3364]

One of the best drivers all around in NASCAR ever. Sure gonna miss him after this year.

[@FantasySportsZen]

Thanks for this guys. Martin is one of the main reasons I got into Nascar. Legend.

[@charliewhite3992]

Well he needs to run Xfinity the same race Jr that you do that would be cool to see you two race against each other

[@FindlayOsborn]

Thanks for this. It was great!

[@DullAntler]

"OUTDOORS with MTJ" ... I'm ready to watch this show 👍 gonna miss this dude at the track. Enjoy your retirement Martin.

[@Rolling_Jones1]

Truex is a class act. One of the best, not only racecar drivers, but one of the best human beings. He is a true sportsman and clean racecar driver. I loved him ever since he drove for DEI. He will be missed. I hope he can win the 500 if that is the race he runs. I picture a huge line on pit road congratulating him. Class act

[@tonto8069]

What a great interview this was. Kudos to Dale for doing it.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Two classy men right there!!!!! Martin is such an amazing Example of focus and.determination.

[@shellsbells307]

❤ Martin! Sad to see him go but happy for him!

[@andrewtulip7409]

56 mins. beautiful

[@jeremysmith876]

Love MTJ and respect him as a driver and person. No surprise him and Dale Jr have the relationship they do and the interview reflects that!

[@davidlightfoot4540]

33:16 thanks Martin for all the good times been a Uk fan it was a pleasure to meet you in 2018 and say nice to meet you champ have fun in your future and I look forward to seeing you part time in other series etc

[@JoeDenhof]

Sad day when I found out he is going to retire. Was a jarret fan then retired, Edward's fan then retired, truex fan and now retiring. Was lucky to be a die hard nascar fan for 30 years with 3 hall of fame drivers as my guys, but I will never enjoy nascar as much anymore. I want to but I dont think I will ever find a driver to love and follow like the 3 I have before. 😢 now I know how an Earnhardt fan feels. Damn it

[@teresaclark7720]

Two of my favorite drivers!! You two are very special

[@kennyemckenzie5027]

Great interview. Makes me happy that we may see him back racing next year. Hopefully one of the tracks I can go too !!🧡#19

[@tombrown8428]

This was a great video.

[@treeman7378]

That was great enjoyed it alot

[@grasstocher1234]

If mtj wants to run in xfinity i know dale jr would give him a ride in the 88

[@bighand1530]

That can work.

[@animal_SS70]

​@@bighand1530Martin has said that he has to be in a Toyota

[@Fisha695]

​@@animal_SS70yup pretty sure it's not an "all my contracts are up so I'm retiring" retirement and more of a "I'm just ready to not do it full time anymore" retirement which means he's basically stuck to Gibbs, Toyota & certain Sponsors until those contracts run out.

[@animal_SS70]

@@Fisha695 which freaking bums me out. Could you imagine if MTJ drove the 8 for Jr next year in a few races with the old font and Bass Pro on the hood? Would love it

[@ssjackson5400]

Great show!

[@michaelw6483]

Two of the Best right here!!!

[@XCaliKev]

Great interview Dale.

[@daleoplinger3577]

Awesome, love this.

[@richmyers4602]

He is such a great guy thanks for that

[@metallicman9455]

Can't wait to see Martin race all different stuff next year! Sucks he's retiring but glad he'll still be around not just fading into the sunset !

[@ryanmichaels297]

This was such a good episode!! Congrats on retirement MTJ

[@Evil_rook]

I don't typically cheer for the JGR cars (nothing personal), but man... I am hoping Martin gets a few W's before the season is out. Would be great for the sport imo

[@johnloeffler3257]

Been a fan since he was in chance 2 xfinity team and filled in for JR when he got burned in the corvette race. Class Act!!

[@debbiemuhlfeld7949]

Great interview!!!! Congratulations to getting off the’hamster wheel’. Martin is true to his word- straight to the point! Yes to racing a modified!!!!!! Growing up racing was a Saturday night date night(Danbury Racearena) Thank-you for NOT discussing his personal life at length- back to his roots- new page in life

[@shelleyking8450]

Martin is a class act. Hope he tears them up and gets another Cup this year to cap off his career.

[@CAPnMASS]

for Deer Hunting, the monday after Thanksgiving in Southwest PA! Gotta a holler for Truex and Dale.

[@sforgus27]

I really hope Martin does run Turkey Derby…that would be completely and thoroughly awesome for our small but mighty little track up here in NJ! And Dale Jr, I’m sure there’s at least a car or two we could get you into as well!!!

[@davemilam9948]

that was great dale!!!

[@kristinschofield5523]

Will always be looking for YOU, MTJ, on the track and being up front or on your way up there!

[@buckman840]

Seems like DirtyMoOutdoors podcast or show should be on the idea board for Mike D. MTJ goes out fishing, hunting, or wheeling with a current or former Nascar driver.

[@jimsoutdooradventures2748]

Great interview but sad to see both my favorite drivers retired. I don't know what I'll do next year between them being retired and Nascar moving more towards streaming services which i refuse to buy and less free tv races to enjoy. The only bright spot for 2025 is Xfinity series putting every race on CW, free tv. I'll still watch the free cup races though and maybe pic a new favorite driver. Congrats on a great career MTJ

[@savannahga7320]

Wish he'd ask him to join him In the booth, great interview

[@dakotaallen6401]

Love Martin, caught a damn toad of a bass under his dock at the lake. I always fish the cove he lives in. By far one of the best coves I fish. Goodluck in retirement man

[@91foxbodyplaya47]

Hey Dale that thing on your dresser that tells weather and sports scores is cool where you get that. I know I'll never probably get an answer but here's for trying. Thanks from a lifelong Earnhardt fan

[@jwgirl5291]

Great interview. Martin can be the next Hank Parker.

[@158shm]

Nice job Man , 🏁🏁🏁🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@RodneyAEvans]

You'll always be a welcomed driver on iRacing...Lez Goooooooo 🏁🏁🏁

[@kellyloveparton8039]

Die hard truex jr fan!! Sad to see him retire but happy for him at the same

[@jOHNB8Y]

What a wonderful friendship through the years! Will miss MTJ.

[@nandojuace]

Start early with diversified investments in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Maximize contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Regularly review and adjust your strategy to ensure security..

[@LolMan-qy9cc]

People dont understand that the prices of things are never going back down. This inflation is deeper than we think. Those buying groceries are well aware that the real inflation is much over 10%. The increments dont match our income, yet certain investors still earn over $365,000 in stocks and assets. Wish I could accomplish that.

[@quantarrow]

Very possible! especially at this moment. Profits can be made in many different ways, but such intricate transactions should only be handled by seasoned market professionals.

[@IshrakHossain-rt8is]

Some persons think inves'tin is all about buying stocks; I think going into the stock market without a good experience is a big risk, that's why I'm lucky to have seen someone like mr Brian C Nelson.

[@ysareyes]

Finding yourself a good broker is as same as finding a good wife, which you go less stress, you get just enough with so much little effort at things

[@kabengele-vo4dr]

Brian demonstrates an excellent understanding of market trends, making well informed decisions that leads to consistent profit

[@zumptt]

Glad they talked about Cole.

[@clintondarnell5318]

I don’t think im gonna root for anyone else when he retires. Definitely gonna buy his Daytona 500 shirt for 23X11 and wear that and my #19 gear moving forward. Just gonna watch. Man im gonna miss that guy!!! Go to Kansas spring race every year. I might actually be sad that day.

[@bryanjones262]

Like the DJ Download more in the studio with merchandise and memorabilia. He looks like he’s in a living room.

[@gypsymoontarotofficial]

Dale Jr start team in Cup ask Richard to have that 8 so you can use YOUR #8 & have MTJ race part time to test the waters of having a Cup team. It's a win win for both of you guys ☺

[@northcountry1436]

Martins my driver...thanks for the great racing over the years. Youll have to come on over and fish the Susquahanna for some great fishin..

[@JohnMathews-pw9ye]

When I used to race, I used to use a metal box behind the seat with a motorcycle battery and fan blowing cool air into my helmet. Or suit. It wasn't the golden answer but it helped a little!

[@palex313]

Chasing tuna, I spent a good portion of my life doing that. Relatable

[@chrisw443]

Looking forward to a MTJ and Dale JR Huntin show.

[@bp495]

I think that the guest segment should be done in person and in the studio. It has much better feel and vibe than doing it remotely. I know it could be difficult to get all the people to come in the studio. Just a thought. Been long time listening.

[@fogaziano5475]

Martin Truex, Jr Outdoors presented by Bass Pro Shops!! Please make this happen!!

[@Adam_Strachan]

Truex needs a fishing show. I would watch that and rewatch it and buy the DVD

[@brandonpennington1983]

I'm pulling for u to win it all and go out on top MTJ

[@dhp3634]

It’s good to know we will still see MTJ next year.

[@user-cz3zv2ni3q]

Me and my family were in mooresville last week and I took my kids by JR Motorsports.

[@mlwilliam213]

Mark Martin Truex. Who’s gonna be the next old-school “gentleman” racer. We had Mark and then Martin, two guys who had the talent to not go five-wide into turn one to win. You gotta be really good to win without throwing etiquette out the window these days.

[@richardhead8956]

This might sound weird but does anybody else look beyond people in any kind of video and look at the carpentry work? Because the door behind true has a beautiful reveal.(Gap around door slab and frame). Surely somebody else watching this video and reading. These comments is on that same page as me lol. Hate to see truex hanging it up too. He's a real one for sure

[@ddxl459]

Start early with diversified investments in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Maximize contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Regularly review and adjust your strategy to ensure security.

[@DaveMorris894]

People dont understand that the prices of things are never going back down. This inflation is deeper than we think. Those buying groceries are well aware that the real inflation is much over 10%. The increments dont match our income, yet certain investors still earn over $365,000 in stocks and assets. Wish I could accomplish that.

[@ChristineMeier963]

Very possible! especially at this moment. Profits can be made in many different ways, but such intricate transactions should only be handled by seasoned market professionals.

[@travislohneis224]

Love the idea about a tv show ….maybe a dirty mo/ bass pro collaboration🤔

[@chrisbarrettFilmstudio]

Damn. This hits hard for me because Martin is the first driver who I really saw come into the cup series reach the pinnacle and is now ending his career.

[@jbooker7147]

Wonder if he would run a full truck schedule to be the first to win all 3 championships. Truck schedule is way shorter than cup.

[@mikecallan8346]

MTJ outdoors presented by Dirty Mo Media and sponsored by Bass Pro sounds good to me!

[@thinkandrepent3175]

Martin do what you do go out on the front foot ❤

[@TroySteele17]

Next time please talk more about Chance2Motorsports I loved those days.

[@justen4001]

What is that led display in the background? Showing the nfl schedule and all the countdown day. Curious what that product is.

[@MichaelVarlotta]

Always admired the fact True wod run his race and no matter what happened on the track he was still the same even keeled person off the track.

[@JGR4LIFE20]

MTJ is one of the very few drivers left that made NASCAR great in the 2000s 😢

[@B-A-L]

I only started watching NASCAR in 2017 and was looking for a driver to follow so I settled on Martin Truex Jr purely because his name stood out on the leaderboard despite not knowing anything about him or any of the other drivers and I never regretted my decision, particularly as 2017 was Martin's Cup year! Thank you for 7 fantastic years, Martin, you are a true gentleman of the racing world! Good luck for the future and pump up the bass.... fishing!

[@jameshathorn6960]

Truex is my 2nd favorite JR.

[@carlmccoy5146]

❤❤❤❤

[@bdoddles6912]

Would love to see a MTJ Outdoor KZbin channel.

[@rayjohnson7879]

Me to