Driver Martin Truex is announced as driver of the #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet for 2014 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 1, 2013
Photo – Todd Warshaw/Getty Images
Furniture Row Racing general manager, Joe Garone, announced today that the Denver, CO-based organization has entered into a multi-year agreement with Martin Truex Jr to drive the team’s No. 78 beginning with the 2014 Sprint Cup Series season.
Garone, sitting alongside Truex, made the announcement during a news conference at Texas Motor Speedway, site of Sunday’s AAA Texas 500.
“We couldn’t be happier to have landed one of the top drivers in NASCAR,” said Garone. “Martin’s talents – both on and off the track – have been well documented and everyone at Furniture Row Racing feels that he is an excellent fit to continue the success that we have enjoyed this season.”
During questions in the press conference, Truex indicated the contract with Furniture Row Racing was signed Thursday evening – just last night.
Truex a 33-year-old native of Mayetta, NJ, is now in his eighth season as a full-time Sprint Cup competitor. He joined NASCAR’s premier series in 2006 after claiming back-to-back Nationwide Series championships in 2004 and 2005.
His Sprint Cup career includes four seasons with Dale Earnhardt Inc and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing (2005-2009) and four with Michael Waltrip Racing (2010-2013).
“Furniture Row Racing has been high on my radar,” said Truex. “This team has done a great job this year. It’s a talented organization and it has been impressive to see what they’ve accomplished over the past few seasons. What influenced by decision is team owner Barney Visser and that the team really wants me as its driver. Everything else is important, but I really felt like Furniture Row Racing genuinely wanted me to drive for them.”
A two-time Chase participant, (2011 and 2012), Truex scored a victory this season with an impressive performance at the June road race in Sonoma, CA.
“While I’m thrilled to be the new driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, I want to express a sincere thank you to Michael Waltrip, Rob Kauffman and the entire Michael Waltrip Racing team for supporting my career over the past four seasons,” said Truex.
Entering this weekend’s Texas race, Truex has Sprint Cup career totals of 294 starts, two wins, 30 top-fives, 88 top-tens, seven poles and 1,889 laps led.
Truex created the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation in 2006 with a slogan “Hooked on Helping.” The foundation, which has raised more than $1 million, touches the lives of children stricken with illness, poverty and neglect. Truex also took a leading role last year among racers seeking relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated his home area in New Jersey.
