Martin Truex Sr., East Series Race Winner, Father of Truex Brothers, Dies Aged 66

Martin Truex Sr., who competed in 135 NASCAR Grand National East Series (now known as the ARCA Menards Series East) events over a 10-year span, has passed away at the age of 66, according to a statement from the Truex family.

“We are devastated by the loss of our father (Martin Truex Sr.),” the statement credited to Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, and Marsha McVey began. “Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”

The former racer, and father of two modern-day racers, won the NASCAR East Series event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1994.

Truex was a native of Mayetta, New Jersey, and in addition to his East Series success also competed in 15 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series (now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series) events. Truex’s best finish in Busch Series competition was a 12th-place run at Nazareth Speedway in 1994.

Following his own personal racing career, the elder Truex was able to watch his two sons Martin Jr., and Ryan, emerge as race winners in the NASCAR National Series ranks.

Martin Truex Jr., who announced he would step away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season, has 34 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and was the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion. Additionally, Truex is a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and has 13 wins in that series, and is a one-time race winner in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition.

Martin Jr.’s younger brother Ryan Truex is a three-time race winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, all three wins have come over the last two seasons. Ryan also won back-to-back championships in the NASCAR K&N Pro East Series (now known as the ARCA Menards Series East) in 2009 and 2010.

The Truex family didn’t divulge any other details regarding the passing of Martin Truex Sr.