The father of the former NASCAR Cup Series champion died at the age of 66

Father of popular drivers Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex, Martin Truex. Sr. he died at the age of 66. The family stated via social media that they are devastated by the death of their father, looking for the privacy in these difficult moments.

“We are devastated by the loss of our father (Martin Truex Sr.). Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”- they wrote.

Martin Truex. Sr. was passionate about motorsport as a kid, dreaming that one day he would appear on the big stage. Truex Sr. was part of the Busch Series in the late eighties and most of the nineties.   Although he didn't have a great career, he was a man with talent and passion for NASCAR tracks.

Martin had several notable performances, attracting the attention of fans.

In addition to his love of NASCAR, Truex Sr. was also the owner of the commercial fishing company Sea Watch International.

He passed on his love for NASCAR to his sons, who followed the same path. Martin Truex Jr. , his son is a popular NASCAR driver, who won the Cup Series in 2017.

Andy Santerre's statement

Andy Santerre spoke to the media before the death of Truex Sr., saying how good a driver Martin was, beating him in one race.

“He was a gentleman racer, fun to race with,” - he said in September last year. 

“I don’t remember all my races, but I do remember that Martin Sr. beat me at New Hampshire in, I think, ’94 and I finished second, and I was as happy for him as I was to finish second — and I don’t think I’d won a race at that point.”

His death will leave a huge void for all who knew him.