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His Father’s Easiest Pass Was Giving Martin Truex Jr. the Keys
His Father’s Easiest Pass Was Giving Martin Truex Jr. the Keys
Martin Truex Jr. had little to race for last weekend — or so thought Sherry Pollex, his longtime girlfriend. But even with a berth assured in the next round of Nascar’s Chase for the Sprint Cup, Truex battled Matt Kenseth for the lead for 35 grinding laps late in the race.
“He kept pushing it, and I thought, ‘He just wants to win,’” Pollex said Tuesday at Nascar’s New York offices. “When you’re a racecar driver, you have that competitive nature. You want to win, no matter what. It doesn’t matter if you’re into the next round. He’s pretty calm, cool and collected.”
Kevin Harvick won the race at Loudon, N.H., with Truex finishing seventh to stay 1 point behind the leader, Brad Keselowski, entering the third of 10 Chase races on Sunday in Dover, Del. Truex said he had probably picked up his cool composure from his mother’s side of the family.
But Truex picked up pretty much everything else about racing from his father. Martin Truex Sr. was a talented driver before he literally handed the keys to his son 16 years ago after a race on that same Loudon track — the only race between the two.
Martin Truex Jr., who grew up in Mayetta, N.J., would win five of his next 21 races on what was then the Busch North Series and attract the attention of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who hired him as a lower-level driver before he became Earnhardt’s teammate in the top series in 2006.
Truex Sr. was bursting with pride and practicality.
“It was great for me,” he said, “because it gave me the opportunity to get out of racing — and save a lot of money.”
In June 2007, in a race at Dover, his son became the first New Jersey native to win a race in Nascar’s top series in 49 years. But Truex Jr. did not win again until 2013. He was a Chase finalist last year, but he did not win more than one race in a year until this season, when he won three.
In the past few years, he and Pollex, a former racing publicist, have become widely known as advocates for pediatric and ovarian cancer patients and research. Pollex, 37, who learned she had ovarian cancer in 2014, said that she had been in remission since her chemotherapy treatments ended in January.
“I try to wake up most days and just live a normal life,” she said. “But once you have cancer, you don’t ever forget about it. You still think about it every day, whether you like it or not.”
Martin Truex Sr. said he was proud of his son more for the man he has become than for the driver he is on the track. “He’s very well liked in the sport,” Truex Sr. said. “He’s a gentleman. His attitude is level all the time — doesn’t get too excited. I’m happy with the person he is. Where he is in the sport is a bonus, really.”
His Father’s Easiest Pass Was Giving Martin Truex Jr. the Keys
Truex Sr. co-founded Sea Watch International, a Milford, Del., corporation that has been recognized as the world’s largest harvester and processor of clam products, in 1978. Now 68, he started working on the deck of a clam boat when he was 15.
But he also liked to spend his weekends racing at Wall Stadium Speedway, a high-banked one-third-mile asphalt oval about 40 miles north of Mayetta. His son tagged along, often playing with Matchbox cars with his friends in the grandstand.
Not surprisingly, the younger Truex took up racing go-karts, then modified stock cars. After he graduated from high school, he also worked full time on one of his father’s clam boats.
“So I’d race Saturday night, drive home from the track, park the hauler, take a shower, go to Atlantic City and get on a boat, because we’d go out Sunday morning to catch Monday’s shipment,” Truex Jr. said.
It did not take him long to realize that racing was much more fun than clamming. “It was a driving factor for sure,” he said. “I could either do this, or I could do this. Duh. Do I want to be a clammer? Not so much.”
Martin Truex Sr. drove in 15 Busch Series races and 135 Busch North races from 1989 to 2000, winning once and posting 42 top-10 finishes. He enjoyed it, but he could tell it was his son who had the potential to make it big and hired him to work in the team’s shop.
As his father watched, Truex Jr. finished 16th in his first Busch North race in Lee, N.H. The two were entered in the next race at Loudon three weeks later.
“He qualified fourth, I qualified fifth,” Truex Jr. said. “Fifteen, 20 laps into the race, I’m catching him, catching him, catching him. I get right to him, my motor shuts off. A wire broke off, cut and killed the engine. That was the only time I got to race with him. That was the last race he ever ran.”
READ MORE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick’s Venture Takes an Exciting Leap Following Latest Announcement
Before the next Busch North race at Loudon two months later, Truex Sr. told his son to prepare to race the family car. He won, but to this day, he said he has never gotten the full story about why his father retired when he did.
“You’d think we’d have had a conversation about it,” Truex Jr. said.
Pollex said: “I don’t think you would. They are the most uncommunicative bunch of men I think I have ever met. They don’t say goodbye on the phone. Martin will be looking at the phone and will look up and say, ‘Oh, I guess we’re done.’”
Truex Jr. said such pleasantries were unnecessary. He and his father talk at least once a week. Many of those conversations involve racing.
Pollex said, “He tries to tell you how to drive the races, and how you set up your car.”
Truex Jr. replied: “No, he just likes to say, ‘Those guys are stupid. Why the hell did they do that?’ Questions everything: ‘I wouldn’t have done that.’”
Pollex added: “Martin’s like, ‘Dad. It’s changed a little bit over 10 years.’”
Martin Truex Sr. acknowledged that last week.
“Back in those days, kids never really got an opportunity unless they had a big checkbook,” he said. “My thing was that if I could provide him with the right equipment, I thought he could be very successful.”
Truex Sr. watched his son at almost all of his early races but has since backed off and attends only the Sprint Cup races in the area — including the race at Dover, a two-hour drive from Mayetta. He also enjoys watching truck races involving his younger son, Ryan, 24.
“I’m having a better time watching my kids grow into it and become professional athletes,” Truex Sr. said. “That was my goal the whole time. I had had a successful business. I was content just having a good time racing.”
A version of this article appears in print on Oct. 2, 2016, Section SP, Page 8 of the New York edition with the headline: The Easiest Pass Was Handing Over the Family Car. Also published on The New York Times
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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Max Verstappen addresses ‘British bias’ at Mexican GP after Lewis Hamilton put-down
$200M Jeff Gordon teams up with Chase Elliott and Co. to decode the HMS driver behind the “Don’t judge me” old tweet
