Atlanta NASCAR Cup Series Race Ends 685-Race Streak
Martin Truex Jr.’s Historic NASCAR Streak Comes to an End
To find the most recent NASCAR Cup Series race in which Martin Truex Jr. did not compete, one must go back to Sunday, November 20, 2005. No active driver’s streak dates back longer.
However, after this coming Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, this will no longer be true.
Truex’s Remarkable Career and Teams
Truex competed in every single race from the start of the 2006 season to the end of the 2024 season. He was with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. from 2006 to 2008, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in 2009, Michael Waltrip Racing from 2010 to 2013, Furniture Row Racing from 2014 to 2018, and Joe Gibbs Racing from 2019 to 2024.
Martin Truex Jr. has made 685 straight NASCAR Cup Series starts
The 2017 series champion retired from full-time competition after the 2024 season, but he extended his series-long 684-race start streak, a streak which ranks sixth on the all-time list, by competing in the 2025 season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Tricon Garage and the No. 56 Toyota
With support from Joe Gibbs Racing, Tricon Garage made their Cup Series debut, fielding the No. 56 Toyota for Truex. The No. 56 was a nod to Truex’s four seasons with Michael Waltrip Racing; he got his first career Cup Series win in 2013 at Sonoma Raceway.
Qualifying and the Daytona 500
With the No. 56 Toyota not being a chartered car and Truex having not been granted any sort of a provisional spot in the “Great American Race”, he needed to qualify either on speed or Duel result. He was able to lock in on speed, as he was the fastest qualifier among the nine in non-chartered (open) entries.
The End of the Streak
Truex’s Daytona 500 ended with a wreck, but he still extended his consecutive starts streak to 685. But that streak will not reach 686, as he is not on the entry list this weekend for the first time in more than 19 years.
Future Plans and the Ambetter Health 400
The three open cars on the entry list are Rick Ware Racing’s No. 01 Ford for Corey LaJoie, NY Racing Team’s No. 44 Chevrolet for J.J. Yeley, and Live Fast Motorsports’ No. 78 Chevrolet for B.J. McLeod. All three appeared at Daytona, though only LaJoie qualified for the race.
The Ambetter Health 400 is set to air live on Fox from Atlanta Motor Speedway starting at 3:00 p.m. ET this Sunday, February 23. Start a free trial of FuboTV today and don’t miss any of the action!
Martin Truex Jr.’s Historic NASCAR Streak Comes to an End
The Most Long-Running NASCAR Streak
Q: Which NASCAR driver held the longest consecutive start streak before Martin Truex Jr.’s streak ceased, and when did it last?
A: Martin truex Jr. held the longest NASCAR Cup Series consecutive start streak, one that went unbroken from Sunday, November 20, 2005, to 2025. his streak extended for over 19 years due to competing in every race from the 2006 season through the 2025 Daytona 500.
Q: How did Martin Truex Jr.’s NASCAR streak end?
A: Although Martin Truex Jr.’s streak was extended to 685 starts when he competed in the 2025 Daytona 500, it ended after he was not listed on the entry sheet for the 2025 Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This marked the first time in over 19 years that he did not compete in a race.
About Martin Truex Jr.’s NASCAR Career
Q: What teams did Martin Truex Jr. drive for during his NASCAR Cup Series career?
A: Martin Truex Jr.’s career spanned several renowned teams:
- Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (2006–2008)
- Earnhardt Ganassi Racing (2009)
- Michael Waltrip Racing (2010–2013)
- Furniture Row Racing (2014–2018)
- Joe Gibbs Racing (2019–2024)
His storied career showcased longevity and adaptability, culminating in winning the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Championship with Joe Gibbs Racing.
The No. 56 Toyota and Tricon Garage
Q: What is the significance of the No. 56 Toyota and Tricon Garage in Martin Truex Jr.’s career?
A: The No. 56 Toyota marked Martin Truex Jr.’s latest venture with Tricon Garage, supported by Joe Gibbs Racing, in the 2025 season. The car number is a tribute to Truex’s four seasons with michael Waltrip Racing,where he achieved his first career Cup Series win in 2013 at Sonoma raceway.
Q: How did Martin Truex Jr. qualify for the Daytona 500?
A: Despite the No. 56 Toyota not being a chartered car and lacking a provisional spot, Truex secured a qualifying spot based on speed. He emerged as the fastest qualifier among the nine open entries.
The End of an Era
Q: What will make the Ambetter Health 400 significant in sports history?
A: The Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway marked the end of Martin Truex Jr.’s amazing 685-race consecutive start streak.It was also the first race he chose not to participate in as November 20, 2005.
Q: Which drivers entered the 2025 Ambetter Health 400 with open cars?
A: The participants with open car entries for the race included:
- Rick Ware Racing’s No. 01 Ford for Corey lajoie
- NY Racing Team’s No. 44 Chevrolet for J.J.yeley
- Live Fast Motorsports’ No. 78 Chevrolet for B.J. McLeod
Only Corey LaJoie successfully qualified among them.
Highlighting Martin Truex Jr.’s Legacy
Martin Truex Jr.’s 685-race streak is historic in NASCAR, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to the sport. His career reflects not just talent but an enduring spirit of competition, adapting seamlessly across different teams, and achieving critical milestones, including multiple second-place finishes in the points standings and securing a championship.
Further Viewing
The ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, airing live on Fox, promises to be a significant moment for fans who have followed martin Truex Jr.’s career.
Q: How can fans watch the Ambetter Health 400 live?
A: Fans can catch the live action of the Ambetter Health 400 on Fox. Interested viewers can start a free trial of FuboTV to not miss any of the excitement.
martin Truex Jr.’s legacy in NASCAR is marked by endurance, excellence, and a never-ending pursuit of success. Weather sharing the NASCAR journey with fans or competing across teams, his streak has cemented his status among NASCAR’s greatest drivers.