In a surprising turn of events, NASCAR Cup Series veteran Martin Truex Jr. has withdrawn from this weekend’s race at Nashville Superspeedway, marking the first driver withdrawal of the 2025 season.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver, who currently sits 8th in the championship standings, cited personal health concerns as the primary reason for stepping away from Sunday’s Ally 400. Team officials confirmed the decision in a statement released early Saturday morning.
“After consulting with doctors and team personnel, Martin has made the difficult decision to sit out this weekend’s race. While not a life-threatening issue, we’re prioritizing his long-term health and well-being,” the statement read. No further details about the health matter were disclosed.
Truex, 44, has been a mainstay in the Cup Series since 2006 and previously announced that 2025 would be a year-by-year decision for his career. His withdrawal ends a streak of 112 consecutive race starts dating back to 2020.
Joe Gibbs Racing has tapped Ty Gibbs, who was originally set to race in the Xfinity Series this weekend, to fill in for Truex behind the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota. Gibbs is no stranger to Cup action and is expected to adapt quickly to the substitution role.
Fans and fellow drivers have taken to social media to express their support for Truex, applauding his transparency and courage in putting his health first. With the playoff push intensifying, the impact of his absence on his championship hopes remains to be seen.
NASCAR has yet to comment on whether any provisional points or waivers will be granted due to the medical nature of the withdrawal.
This marks the first time in the 2025 season that a full-time Cup Series driver has withdrawn before race day, highlighting the ongoing physical and mental demands of the sport.
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