AVONDALE, Ariz. — NASCAR veteran Martin Truex Jr., poised to retire from full-time competition following this weekend’s season finale, has claimed the pole position for the championship showdown at Phoenix Raceway. Truex took to the track Saturday, clocking in at an impressive 134.741 mph to secure the coveted top starting spot.
Looking ahead, Truex is planning to return to the sport for a limited schedule, eyeing a few select races in 2025, hinting that while he may be stepping back from full-time duties, he won’t be entirely disconnected from NASCAR.
“I don’t really know the significance of it — I guess it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m excited for the weekend,” Truex reflected, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. “We’ll see how it goes. I’m not super emotional, I guess, so we’ll see what happens after the race. I’m looking forward to having a fun weekend and hopefully a great day.” His mindset suggests a blend of anticipation and closure as he races in front of his fans.
Truex’s strong performance puts him ahead of title contender Joey Logano, who is on the brink of making history by attempting to secure his status as the only active driver with three Cup championships, all while steering for Team Penske in a competitive Ford vehicle.
“Yeah, we’ve got ’em where we want ’em,” Logano stated confidently. “We just gotta put our foot on their throats from here,” illustrating his aggressive strategy heading into the championship race.
In a compelling subplot, Ross Chastain, the defending race winner at Phoenix, captured the third position in his Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, showcasing his determination as he aims to repeat his victory from last season where he shocked the field as a non-title contender.
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The competition remains fierce as Kyle Larson claimed the fifth starting spot, closely followed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott in sixth, both representing a formidable duo of Chevrolet drivers.
Ty Gibbs, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, secured sixth in a Toyota, followed closely by Christopher Bell, his teammate who is also vying for a strong finish in the finale.
William Byron, who is among the championship contenders, qualified eighth in a Hendrick Chevrolet, while Harrison Burton prepares for his final race with Wood Brothers Racing, starting right behind him.
Tyler Reddick made a strong statement by qualifying 10th with the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by sports icons Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, as he aspires to capture his first Cup title. Jordan was spotted on pit road, observantly watching the qualifying rounds unfold.
Reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney faced a challenging day as he landed as the lowest qualifying driver among the title contenders in 17th position. He aims to make history by being the first driver to win back-to-back titles since Jimmie Johnson’s remarkable five-year streak from 2006 to 2010 and potentially securing three consecutive Cup championships for Roger Penske along with Logano.
**Interview with Martin Truex Jr. Before NASCAR’s Season Finale at Phoenix Raceway**
**Editor:** Martin, thank you for joining us today. This weekend marks the end of an era for you in full-time NASCAR racing. What emotions are you experiencing as you head into your final race?
**Truex:** Thanks for having me. Honestly, it hasn’t fully sunk in yet. I guess I’m feeling a mix of excitement and maybe a bit of nostalgia. It’s a big moment, and while I’m not super emotional about it, I am looking forward to a fun weekend and hopefully ending on a high note.
**Editor:** You secured the pole position at Phoenix Raceway with an impressive speed of 134.741 mph. How does this performance feel as you approach your retirement from full-time competition?
**Truex:** It feels great. Claiming the pole is always a confidence booster, especially for a race like this one. It shows that I still have what it takes to compete at a high level. I want to make the most of this opportunity and give my fans a race to remember.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, you mentioned planning to race selectively in 2025. Can you share what prompted that decision and how you envision balancing your future involvement in NASCAR?
**Truex:** I love this sport, and it’s hard to completely walk away from something that has been such a huge part of my life. Running a limited schedule allows me to stay connected to NASCAR while also enjoying some downtime. It’s the best of both worlds for me — I can still be a part of the action, just in a different capacity.
**Editor:** You’ll be racing against contenders like Joey Logano, who is aiming for his third Cup championship. How do you mentally prepare to race against someone who might make history this weekend?
**Truex:** You’ve got to focus on your own performance, really. Joey is a fierce competitor, and he’s done amazing things in this sport. For me, it’s about executing my race strategy and doing the best I can. At the end of the day, we’re all out there to win, regardless of the stakes for anyone else.
**Editor:** With fans cheering you on, what message do you have for them as you approach this final race?
**Truex:** I want to thank them for all their support over the years. It’s been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t be here without them. I hope to put on a show they’ll remember, and I’m looking forward to celebrating this moment together during the race.
**Editor:** Thank you, Martin, and best of luck in your final race as a full-time competitor!
**Truex:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
