The stage is set for Martin Truex Jr. to return to the Daytona 500. The 2017 Cup Series champion will join forces with Tricon Garage as the Craftsman Truck Series team attempts to qualify for its first Cup race.
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The David Gilliland-run team announced the news on Jan. 16. The team said that it will field the No. 56 Toyota Camry XSE as Truex attempts to qualify for the season-opening race. Joe Gibbs Racing will provide technical support for the Truck Series team.
Joining Tricon and Truex for the race will be retired crew chief Cole Pearn, who spent five seasons guiding Truex at Furniture Row Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. The duo amassed 24 wins and a championship while working together. They finished second in the championship standings in two other seasons.
"It's going to be a really cool deal to be able to work with Cole and have the number 56 again," said Truex Jr. in a statement. "I really appreciate everyone at Bass Pro Shops, Tricon, and Toyota helping put this together to go have some fun, and I can't think of a better time to go win the thing for Johnny Morris."
We’re going beyond the limits of the Truck Series.
TRICON will attempt the Daytona 500 in our @NASCAR Cup debut alongside @MartinTruex_Jr and @BassProShops ‼️ pic.twitter.com/FyevxKi2E0
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) January 16, 2025
The number is a fitting choice for Truex and Tricon Garage. The veteran racer used the number during his time at Michael Waltrip Racing (2010-13). He took the number to victory lane at Sonoma Raceway in 2013.
As an open team, Tricon Garage will not have a guaranteed spot in the Daytona 500. The team and Truex will have to beat out the other open entries. This ever-expanding group currently includes Live Fast Motorsports, JR Motorsports, Beard Motorsports, MBM Motorsports, NY Racing Team, and Trackhouse Racing.
Pearn and Truex have qualified well in previous trips to Daytona. They started 10th in the 2015 Daytona 500 and 11th in the 2019 Daytona 500. This will be crucial considering that they will have to qualify for the race on speed or by beating the other open entries in the Duels.
"This opportunity is a testament to the dedication of our entire organization and our partners at Toyota," Gilliland said in a statement. "Having raced against Martin for many years, I can confidently say there's no stronger competitor I'd want behind the wheel for our first Cup Series entry at the sport's most prestigious race.
"As an open entry, we know the road ahead will be challenging, but I have no doubt that Martin will put us in the best position to succeed. I've had the privilege of sitting on the pole at Daytona, but my next goal is to celebrate in victory lane."
