Press Release | TRICON GARAGE
TRICON Garage (TRICON) announced today that it will attempt to make its NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) debut in the 67th running of the Daytona 500 with 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. The Mayetta, New Jersey native will pilot the No. 56 Toyota Camry XSE.
TRICON will be receiving technical support from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Cole Pearn will reunite with Truex Jr., returning to the NCS as a crew chief for the first time since 2019. The duo amassed 24 Cup victories and a championship in their five seasons together and will look to secure a starting position in their sixth Daytona 500.
Bass Pro Shops will continue their longstanding relationship with Truex Jr. and will serve as the primary partner for the No. 56 in the “Great American Race.” The premier outdoor and conservation company founded by Johnny Morris has been a partner of the 44-year-old driver dating back to 2004.
“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. “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.”
TRICON Garage and Toyota partnered beginning with the 2023 Truck Series season. Since the relationship debuted, success has been evident and immediate with nine victories, 50 top-five finishes and consecutive Championship 4 appearances. The consistent on-track performance and run of success make this partnership the logical next step for TRICON as the organization continues to grow and plan for the future.
“This opportunity is a testament to the dedication of our entire organization and our partners at Toyota. 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,” said David Gilliland, partner, TRICON Garage.
“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.”
Daytona Speedweeks will kick off with practice and qualifying on Wednesday, February 12 followed by the Duels on Thursday, February 13. The Daytona 500 will be televised live on FOX on Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 P.M. ET with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Press Release | BASS PRO SHOPS
Bass Pro Shops announced today that it will be the primary sponsor for longtime partner Martin Truex Jr. for the 67th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16.
Daytona will reunite the winning team that has been together since 2001 and included such career highlights for Truex as the 2017 Cup Series championship, the 2017 and 2023 Cup Series regular-season championships and the 2004 and 2005 Busch Series championships. His 34 race victories over a 21-year career include the 2016 and 2019 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2016 Southern 500.
“We are fired up to be back with Martin again at Daytona,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder. “We have had so many unforgettable moments throughout our more than 20-year relationship with Martin, on the track and out hunting and fishing together, and are looking forward to supporting him and conservation this year at Daytona!”
Truex announced his retirement from full-time racing last June, capping a memorable career that included nearly 700 NASCAR Cup Series races and will undoubtedly land him in the Hall of Fame. He was named one of 75 Greatest Drivers by a NASCAR panel in 2023.
“It’s such a blessing to have Bass Pro Shops with us again,” Truex said. “Johnny Morris and the entire Bass Pro family have supported me throughout my career, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I did without them in my corner. I can’t thank them enough for being by my side as we go back to Daytona.”
Truex will be driving the No. 56 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE with Tricon Garage as it attempts to make its Cup Series debut at the “Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona Speedweek will kick off with practice and qualifying on Wednesday, Feb. 12, followed by the Duels on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Daytona 500 will be televised live on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET, with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
(Photo Courtesy NASCAR)
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