Column By: MARTY CZEKALA / RPW – DOVER, DE – It all runs in the family.
Ryan Truex led 124 of 200 laps Saturday to score his first career NASCAR Xfinity win at Dover Motor Speedway, the same track his older brother Martin won his first career Cup race.
“It’s really cool,” Ryan Truex told RPW. “I think when he won that day (June 3, 2007), he dominated that race too, from what I remember. It is cool to do it like that – make a statement like that at one the hardest tracks on the circuit. It’s nicknamed the Monster for a reason. It is a tough track. A lot of people struggle to figure it out. I’ve had my moments of trying to figure out how to get around this place. I’ve learned a lot from Martin (Truex Jr.) as well. That has been a huge help.”
After he took the checkered flag, Martin Truex Jr. went from his motorcoach to victory lane.
“Incredible job,” Martin Truex Jr. told Nathan Solomon of The Podium Finish. “To be able to do what we do and just proud of him for all he’s ever come to get here. It’s been a long road for him. Limited starts, it’s so tough to do part-time. He gets in there, no practice, and gets after it. He’s a hell of a wheelman.”
The entire family was in attendance. The Truex family is from Mayetta, N.J., just 2 hours and 18 minutes from the track.
“That’s what makes it so sweet,” Truex Jr. said. “This place means a lot to us. To have my dad here, he’s happy to see that. It’s been a long road for Ryan and worked hard and never quit.”
Ryan’s father, Martin Truex Sr., was very emotional after his son took the checkered and when they saw each other post-race.
“He didn’t really say much, honestly,” Ryan Truex said. “I feel he was still at a loss for words too. He’s been out racing his whole life, and he’s watched myself come up through the ranks. A huge part of our success. It’s definitely been frustrating for him with how my career has been up and down, and so close, I just couldn’t get the job win. He’s seen how much I’ve worked and struggled to stay well involved in the sport.”
For Truex, the first win that got away came back to him when in 2012, at the same track, Truex started in pole position, led 43 laps, and had a chance to win before heavy lapped traffic allowed Joey Logano to get by with around five laps to go.
“Now, finally, people can stop asking about 2012 here,” Ryan Truex joked. “It feels amazing. I was a wreck coming across the line. It’s been a long road. I’m proud of these guys. The Toyota Genuine Accessories was really fast – as fast as Xfinity 10 G, which is awesome. I’m on cloud nine. This is just a huge weight off my shoulders. I’m just so happy.”
The Xfinity Series is off until May 13 or throwback weekend at Darlington.