Martin Truex Jr. started the weekend in Homestead, Florida, prepping for the NASCAR series finale – and he ended it hoisting the NASCAR Championship Cup in front of millions of spectators across the country.
The Mayetta native went into the weekend with seven victories in his pocket. But it came down to the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, where he and three other racers (Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski) were up for the championship.
Truex dominated the final race, leading 78 laps to earn the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship title.
After crossing the finish line, Truex was mobbed by his crew and his girlfriend Sherry Pollex for an emotional celebration. (Pollex is battling ovarian cancer – you can read more about the couple’s work to beat the disease in our November profile.)
The celebration continued on stage – with a blown up photo of Furniture Row Team owner Barney Visser, who is recovering from heart surgery. Truex conducted interviews through tears as team members yelled in the background.
Check out the exciting weekend and celebration below!
Pure joy for @MartinTruex_Jr.#TruexJr #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/dH5AqL13J1
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 19, 2017
Never give up on your dreams.@MartinTruex_Jr didn't: https://t.co/zCi7OZfw8t pic.twitter.com/KrTEpKP40z
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2017
Through thick and thin, @MartinTruex_Jr and @SherryPollex have always been a winning team. pic.twitter.com/Yi2wHWrdU1
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2017
Denver, welcome your newest champion! @MartinTruex_Jr & @FRRacingTeam! #Champs pic.twitter.com/5nvGG7xIQS
— Toyota Racing (@ToyotaRacing) November 19, 2017
.@MartinTruex_Jr is your 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion!#TruexJr #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/0nAkonhvZe
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 19, 2017
This moment. #TruexJr@MartinTruex_Jr @DaleJr pic.twitter.com/74bSoJN0c8
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2017
