Martin Truex Jr. got a nice surprise when his fellow drivers gave him a standing ovation during the prerace meeting before Sunday’s NASCAR finale.

Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement from full-time NASCAR racing marks a notable shift in the sport. His reflections on the experience reveal a deep sense of fulfillment, devoid of regrets. Despite stepping away from regular competition, the prospect of racing for enjoyment remains a tantalizing possibility.

Martin Truex Jr., who is retiring from full-time NASCAR competition after Sunday's season finale, won the pole for the championship-deciding race at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday in Avondale, Arizona.

While Truex is stepping away from full-time competition, he will still be involved at Joe Gibbs Racing in an advising role. He also has hinted at plans to compete on a limited basis in the future, similar to other drivers like Jimmie Johnson, David Ragan, Parker Kligerman, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, Martin Truex Jr. will line up for the last time as a full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series. The New Jersey native made his Cup Series debut on Halloween 2004, and in the ensuing 20 years,

Martin Truex Jr.'s full-time NASCAR Cup Series career is officially over. On Sunday evening, Truex took the checkered flag as a full-time competitor for the last time at Phoenix Raceway, finishing in 17th place after winning the pole.