2008 Preseason No. 9: Martin Truex Jr.

No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy

2008 Spin
At the beginning of 2007, Martin Truex Jr. was just another sophomore driver with potential. By the end of the season, he was the face of a major organization — with all the responsibility that comes with it.

While one teammate made headlines and the other struggled, Truex became the new face of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. — and did so in convincing fashion. He emerged from the considerable shadow of Dale Earnhardt Jr., and found the spotlight to be quite enticing. Now, Truex enters 2008 as DEI’s best chance at a Chase berth and a return to powerhouse status, an enviable position, and one that Truex clearly relishes. 
Truex will once again be paired with crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion, who has been on top of the box for Truex his entire top-level NASCAR career. Sponsor Bass Pro Shops also returns, and having its support as well as that of a solid crew should keep Truex among the contenders. DEI did undergo some personnel changes. The restructuring should help, as DEI has struggled to keep up technologically. However, it showed signs of a breakthrough late in ’07 with the Car of Tomorrow. In its first full season, the newly minted RCR-DEI engine program — an Achilles’ Heel at times — should also begin to pay full dividends.

But the key to Truex’s performance in 2008 may come from within and how he handles the newly formed DEI without Junior, his former partner. Early on, Truex took that challenge to heart, but leadership tended to fade to frustration during an ’07 Chase that didn’t go as planned. The griping reached a peak at Phoenix, when Manion vented to the media after a pit road snafu. “No matter what we decide on the pitbox, we get ridiculed and criticized by the driver on the race track,” he said. “It is tough to swallow.”

For Truex to truly succeed in 2008, he needs to swallow this humbling fact: The future of DEI begins and ends with the No. 1. The third-year driver needs to merely look in the mirror to find the root of his success or failure this season.

Opposing Crew Chiefs’ Take
“They improved a lot. Martin’s matured as a driver. He ran really great during the summer. … As the No. 1 guy over there, if he wants that role, he’ll step up and get even better. … When they announced Dale (Earnhardt Jr.) was leaving, it was almost like he took the reins immediately. When you looked at him,
and how he handled himself, the change was dramatic. … I’ve been very impressed by Martin and almost feel like, given the right surroundings, that guy is capable of winning the championship. … Mentally, he’s a lot more stable than a lot of the guys out there. He can get it done.”

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: In his young career, he’s taken well to the one- and two-mile tracks. Think Dover.
Pretty Solid Pick: He had two runner-up finishes at Michigan last year.
Good Sleeper Pick: Possibly beginner’s luck, but Truex’s road course runs have been promising.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: Maybe he’s claustrophobic, because short tracks aren’t his cup of tea.
Insider Tip: You have to take him at Dover. The win was not a fluke. Homestead could be another good one as well.

For more in-depth driver news and hard-hitting features, order your 2008 Athlon Sports Racing Annual here.