Sherry Pollex, the late partner of 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., shared candid reflections on her long fight against ovarian cancer before her passing in 2023. Her story reveals the emotional and physical toll of cancer, alongside her efforts to inspire hope and positivity during her illness.
Pollex battled ovarian cancer for nine years and became a respected figure both within and beyond the stock car racing community. She founded the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic to support others facing cancer. Her experience with the disease ultimately deepened her gratitude for life, as she expressed in an interview with stock car analyst Jeff Gluck.
Sherry Pollex’s Reflections on Living Positively Through Cancer
During a conversation with Jeff Gluck, Pollex opened up about how cancer shifted her outlook. She initially believed she was already a positive person but recognized that the illness intensified her appreciation for life’s moments. Discussing this change, Pollex said,
“I, um, I do feel like I’m a really positive person, and that I try to wake up every day and live life to the fullest. Um, I felt like I did that before I got diagnosed with cancer, but, um, now that I live the way I do after cancer, I don’t know that I was believing that way, you know, with that much Dwayne gratitude.”
— Sherry Pollex
She also acknowledged the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with life after cancer but emphasized her determination to find positivity every day. Even on difficult days, Pollex sought hope in the possibility of better days ahead or inspiring others, stating,
“So I feel like now that you know life after cancer is is mentally and physically exhausting at times, but I try to wake up every day and see the positive in everything that I do. So even on the days that I don’t feel good, I always think, ‘This too shall pass.’ Tomorrow’s a new day, and I’m gonna feel better tomorrow, or something amazing could happen tomorrow, and I’ll meet somebody that I could inspire or bring a smile to their face.”
— Sherry Pollex
Honoring Sherry Pollex’s Legacy and Contributions
Sherry Pollex’s commitment to the fight against cancer extended beyond her own battle. In February 2025, NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty participated in the grand opening of the SherryStrong Integrative Wellness Center, a testament to her dedication to helping patients. During the 2023 NASCAR award ceremonies, Pollex was honored with the Myers Brothers Award, highlighting her impactful presence within the racing community.
The End of Furniture Row Racing: Martin Truex Jr.’s Candid Thoughts
Martin Truex Jr. reflected on the closure of Furniture Row Racing, the team with which he achieved much success. Speaking to NBC Sports in 2018, he expressed sadness over the team’s shutdown due to financial issues but acknowledged the challenges the team faced. Furniture Row Racing first appeared in the NASCAR Cup Series nearly 20 years ago, on November 13, 2005, yet their breakthrough win came in 2011 when Regan Smith secured victory at the Southern 500 held at Darlington Raceway.
After joining Furniture Row Racing in 2014, Truex Jr. initially drove the #78 Chevrolet. The team later made a crucial switch to Toyota vehicles, which preceded Truex Jr.’s dominating 2017 season when he won the Cup Series championship. The following year, he finished the season as the runner-up.
The closure announcement came after 5-Hour Energy ended its sponsorship, prompting the difficult decision to cease operations. Reflecting on the team’s legacy, Truex Jr. expressed gratitude for the support and opportunities he received, stating,
“While I am saddened by today’s announcement, I totally understand the decision. Barney Visser, Joe Garone, and the entire Furniture Row Racing team took me in while my career was in a bad place, and together we reached the pinnacle of the sport. I will forever be grateful to each and every one of them, and also to Furniture Row, Denver Mattress, and the Visser family.”
— Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr.’s Career Highlights and Retirement
During his time with Furniture Row Racing, Truex Jr. competed in 180 races, amassing 17 wins, 56 top-five finishes, 91 top-ten placements, and 12 pole positions. After a successful career, he retired from full-time racing following the 2024 season. His seat in Joe Gibbs Racing’s #19 Toyota Camry XSE was then taken over by Chase Briscoe.
The Lasting Impact of Martin Truex Jr. and Sherry Pollex’s Journey
The story of Martin Truex Jr. and Sherry Pollex highlights resilience amid adversity, with Pollex’s courageous cancer battle bringing attention to the human side of racing’s demanding world. Her clinic and advocacy continue to support cancer patients, while Truex Jr.’s achievements and reflections on his career underline the dedication and challenges involved in NASCAR’s competitive landscape. As Truex Jr. transitions from active racing, the sport anticipates the emergence of new talent while honoring those who have shaped its history.
