[LSC9901]

Martin Truex Jr. won his first race in 2007 and made it into the Chase for the Nextel Cup championship as one of the top 12 drivers in only his second full season in the series.
He's also had three rough performances in the first five weeks of the Chase for the Nextel Cup, dropping to 11th in the standings. Going into Martinsville this weekend, the sixth race in the 10 Chase races, he is all but mathematically eliminated from a chance for the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship.
Good year or not?
"I think it's about middle-of-the-road for us," said Truex, from Stafford Township, on a conference call with auto racing media Tuesday. "There's been a lot of plusses, but there's been a lot of times just like the Chase right here. It's hard not to think about what might have been. We've had a lot of rough luck. A lot of bad races this year, and we've had a lot of good races. So it's kind of been half and half.
"Fortunately we've had enough good that we've been able to outweigh the bad, I think. We made the Chase, we've got our first win. We've been competitive every week, top fives, top 10s. We've run in there every week. So we've been proud of that.

Truex reflects on up-and-down season

[Racer Duck]

for some reason I never cared much for Truex, Jr. in Busch. maybe it was the goatee, dunno.

but since he's gotten into cup I find I'm liking him more and more. even though he has learned to spout the "sponsor, sponsor, sponsor, sponsor, sponsor Chevrolet" line, his interviews, even when he wrecks, are upbeat. he seems well grounded and honestly optimistic.

I'm looking forward to 2008 when he's the lead dog out of DEI.

[jks812]

I think he's gonna do good at leading DEI. At least maybe we won't have to hear how good the motors are til they put them in his car and all that crap.

[clutch]

While time may prove me wrong ......this season I dont believe he deserves a chase berth after that idiotic move at Watkins Glen when he pushed Montoya into Harvick after the restart.........and he ended up 5th or 6th

[kcoruol]

Martin Truex Jr. seems to be one of those drivers who are patient and able to move up from behind. I'm also impressed by the fact that as long as he has an engine and 4 tires he never gives up. One race he literally had no front end and not much was left of his rear bumper because of all the wreaks he was involved in and yet he kept racing. I sure wish he had switched over to race with Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. I think he could learn a lot from them. That's OK though because I'm sure he'll be the top driver at DEI by far.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by kcoruol

Martin Truex Jr. seems to be one of those drivers who are patient and able to move up from behind. I'm also impressed by the fact that as long as he has an engine and 4 tires he never gives up. One race he literally had no front end and not much was left of his rear bumper because of all the wreaks he was involved in and yet he kept racing. I sure wish he had switched over to race with Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. I think he could learn a lot from them. That's OK though because I'm sure he'll be the top driver at DEI by far.

Next year will no doubt be his year to shine. I would expect DEI to put an extra effort into that team next year just to prove to the racing world that it wasn't DEI that couldn't win a championship ..... it was JR !!!

[jks812]

Originally Posted by clutch

While time may prove me wrong ......this season I dont believe he deserves a chase berth after that idiotic move at Watkins Glen when he pushed Montoya into Harvick after the restart.........and he ended up 5th or 6th

If everybody who had ever punted someone wasn't allowed in the chase, they'd have a hard time getting their 12 drivers.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by jks812

If everybody who had ever punted someone wasn't allowed in the chase, they'd have a hard time getting their 12 drivers.

Well, Stewart would be gone at least........and Hamlin......and...

maybe you're right, but that race and his stupid move reall stick in my mind for some reason, maybe I was hoping for Montoya to do well??

[jks812]

Originally Posted by clutch

Well, Stewart would be gone at least........and Hamlin......and...

maybe you're right, but that race and his stupid move reall stick in my mind for some reason, maybe I was hoping for Montoya to do well??

Yeah it was a dumb move on his part.