The deal Ryan Truex signed with Joe Gibbs Racing is now halfway through it's six races, and quite frankly there doesn't seem to be much in the way of sponsorship in the pipeline for the young New Jersey driver. This despite both strong qualifying efforts, and solid runs.
While it should not be surprising that even a driver as talented as Truex would be struggling to find sponsorship in these tough economic times, afterall, even Richard Childress Racing couldn't secure sponsorship for Clint Bowyer, what is surprising is that no one is coming forward for the Charlotte race.
Truex is one of only four drivers eligible for a $100,000 bonus provided by Nationwide at the Charlotte race, based on his top four finish in Richmond. Despite the added publicity this will certainly bring to the driver, and whatever team he would be driving for, no one has stepped forward with a quality opportunity.
I asked about Ryan's sponsorship prospects for both Charlotte, and the rest of the year in a brief conversation with his father Martin Truex Sr. on pitroad at Dover, just prior to the start of the Nationwide race.
He told me while they have been approached by several teams about putting Ryan in their cars, none of them were what he considered quality opportunities. While he wants his son to be in as many races as possible, he also wants him to be in good, safe, equipment, that gives him a chance to really showcase his talents.
It was really nice to see a father, Martin Truex Sr., truly looking out for the best interests of his son. He knows at the age of 19, Ryan, has time on his side. He also knows drivers who take rides just to be in the race rarely advance their careers much farther than that. The last thing he wants for Ryan is to become a start-and-park driver, especially before his career has even really begun.
Martin Truex Sr. continues to look for sponsorship opportunities for Ryan, for not only Charlotte, but the future as well. He knows with the right opportunity it might not be long before we see the family dream come true. Having the Truex brothers join the Busch brothers at the top of the sport, NASCAR Sprint Cup.
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