Martin Truex Jr. had edged out Kevin Harvick to win the Xfinity race in Mexico back in 2005. Now, nearly two decades later, his younger brother, Ryan Truex, is set to carry the family torch, strapping into the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Of course, the outing comes with lofty expectations.
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Ryan was just shy of his 13th birthday when Martin claimed victory on the bustling Mexico City street course en route to his second straight Xfinity title. So the pressure from the family legacy at the track is palpable.
In addition, he is armed with one of the most successful cars on the Cup Series grid today. So Ryan knows the bar is set high. And the pressure isn’t lost on him, especially after his brother’s trademark dry wit came through in a recent exchange.
“I texted him this week when I found out,” Ryan said. “And he said, ‘The Truexes are one-for-one at Mexico. So, no pressure. I’m glad he could throw that at me. But yeah, he’s been good for advice.”
While the layout has evolved in the 20 years since, one constant remains: Martin Truex Jr.’s no-nonsense approach to racing and mentoring.
“What you guys see here and what you guys see on TV, that’s him. That’s how he is. Short [and] to the point. If I ask him stuff, he’ll tell me, but I don’t know how much it’ll translate from 2005,” added Ryan.
Sunday’s Viva Mexico 250 marks a fresh start for both driver and the venue, and the plan is clear for the 33-year-old. Ryan is not only making his first Cup start since 2014, but he’s also doing so in a high-visibility fill-in role, stepping in for Denny Hamlin. He is also carrying the weight of the Truex surname on his shoulders.
Hamlin is missing the action as he chose to stay home following the birth of his third child. The No. 11 JGR driver, a three-time winner this season, secured a waiver from NASCAR to maintain his playoff eligibility, opening the door for a rare opportunity for Ryan, who has been on standby for the No. 11 squad over the last three weeks.
Ryan had jumped in for Tyler Reddick during Coca-Cola 600 practice sessions for 23XI Racing. But nothing compares to this situation, now that Joe Gibbs Racing has finally made the call.
In the mess of international travel and a race-week scramble, Ryan confessed the anticipation had been mounting. Now, with family pride and a high-profile seat on the line, Ryan is ready to chase a storyline befitting a sequel, in the same land where his brother made history.
