This weekend, Ryan Truex is taking the wheel of Denny Hamlin‘s No. 11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing at the NASCAR Mexico City event, as Hamlin remains home to welcome his newborn son. Hamlin’s decision to stay back follows the birth of his third child, marking a significant chance for Truex to showcase his skills in a Cup Series race.
Truex’s Past Cup Series Experience and Current Role
Ryan Truex previously competed in the Cup Series in 2014 with BK Racing, where he struggled to find top results, his best finish being 20th place. Since then, he has attempted a return, such as his 2019 bid to qualify for the Daytona 500, but has not secured a Cup ride until now. Currently, Truex serves as a simulator and backup driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, which has prepared him extensively for this opportunity in Mexico City.
A Unique Opportunity and Truex’s Perspective on the Race
For the 33-year-old driver, the Mexico City race represents a major moment, blending excitement with a degree of uncertainty. Truex described the lead-up to the event as hectic but expressed gratitude for the chance to compete. He appreciated that the race takes place at a track where he can practice and prepare adequately, unlike some others at this new venue. His only aim is to enjoy the experience without setting strict expectations.
“It’s been a crazy few weeks. Basically, since Charlotte, I’ve been on standby. So, yeah, I’m glad it’s at a track where I can practice and have time, and no one’s been except for a few guys. Yeah, it’s, I found out Wednesday night. So, it’s been kind of chaotic getting here and putting all of that together, but I’m just, you know, grateful for the experience and grateful to be here. Really just want to enjoy it. I don’t have, I don’t really have any set goals or expectations. I just want to enjoy the weekend.”
—Ryan Truex, Joe Gibbs Racing Backup Driver
“I’m driving a Cup car for Joe Gibbs at an international race. You know, this is not something I ever dreamed of doing. I just want to take it all in and have a good time.”
—Ryan Truex, Joe Gibbs Racing Backup Driver
Reflecting on His Cup Series Journey and Current Focus
Despite limited starts this season—with just one race at Daytona, finishing 17th—Truex carries mixed feelings from his 2014 Cup experience. He acknowledges the difficulties he faced, describing his initial Cup run as unenjoyable and a challenging point in his career. Nevertheless, Truex values his current position at Joe Gibbs Racing, which allows him to race part-time and leverage simulator work, maintaining balance with his personal life while staying connected to the sport.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s, my last time in Cup was not a fun experience. It didn’t go well for me, I didn’t enjoy it. That was probably not the right move for me career-wise, and kind of been fighting back since then, a little bit. But I enjoy what I do with JGR. You know, I’ve been able to race part-time the past few years and do all of my stuff away from the track, and it’s been nice. It’s fun to race part-time and get Saturdays at home, but it’s also fun to be at the track.”
—Ryan Truex, Joe Gibbs Racing Backup Driver
Extensive Simulator Experience Gives Truex an Edge in Mexico
Although Truex hasn’t been behind the wheel in the Cup Series for over a decade, his significant simulator experience has been crucial in preparing him for this race. As a key part of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Next Gen car testing, Truex has accumulated hundreds of laps virtually, which could prove essential on this unfamiliar circuit. Many competitors will be new to the track, making his simulator practice a critical advantage.
Looking Ahead: Potential Impact and What This Means for Truex
Ryan Truex’s role as a substitute in Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 car at the Mexico City race holds importance beyond just one weekend. Success here could reopen doors in the Cup Series, while also reinforcing the value of backup and simulator drivers within top teams like Joe Gibbs Racing. The race represents a test of patience and skill, as Truex hopes to turn his past experience around and embrace this opportunity to perform on an international stage.
