Martin Truex Jr. cancer recovery became a prominent topic in the NASCAR world through the candid reflections of his late partner, Sherry Pollex. In a revealing interview with stock car analyst Jeff Gluck, Pollex shared her journey battling ovarian cancer, offering personal insights into the impact it had on her mindset and daily life.
Sherry Pollex’s Courage Through a Difficult Fight
Sherry Pollex faced a nine-year battle with ovarian cancer, ultimately passing away in 2023 at the age of 44. Known across NASCAR circles for her philanthropy, she not only advocated for cancer awareness but also took decisive action to support others. Her efforts included founding the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic, solidifying her legacy as a compassionate figure within the racing community.
During her interview, Jeff Gluck asked Pollex how she maintained positivity during her extensive treatment and recovery process. Pollex reflected on how her approach to life evolved as a result of her diagnosis.
“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, Partner
Pollex did not shy away from admitting how challenging some days could be, both physically and mentally. Nonetheless, she focused on hope and resilience while sharing the daily coping strategies that guided her through difficult times.
“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, Partner
Pollex’s commitment to helping others endured beyond her own fight. In February 2025, NASCAR icons Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty celebrated the opening of the Sherry Strong Integrative Wellness Center, an initiative that built upon her earlier philanthropic work. In 2023, her influence was additionally recognized when she was honored with the Myers Brothers Award at the NASCAR ceremony, further emphasizing her impact on the sport and its community.
Martin Truex Jr. Reflects on Team Transitions and Career Highs
Beyond his championship victories and racing accolades, Martin Truex Jr. experienced pivotal moments outside the track. In a 2018 interview with NBC Sports, Truex Jr., having partnered with legendary teammates and organizations, discussed the bittersweet closure of Furniture Row Racing, which came after the withdrawal of funding from key sponsor 5-Hour Energy.
The NASCAR team, which first competed in the Cup Series in 2005, reached its breakthrough moment when Regan Smith drove to victory at the Southern 500 in Darlington Raceway in 2011. Truex Jr. joined Furniture Row Racing in 2014, soon after their first win, and contributed significantly to their growth, first piloting a Chevy and then adapting as the team switched to Toyota.
His partnership with Furniture Row Racing resulted in a strong run, notably in 2017 when Truex Jr. was crowned NASCAR Cup Series champion. He finished the following season as the runner-up. The team’s subsequent closure came as a blow to the NASCAR community, marking the end of a remarkable chapter.
“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., Champion Driver
During his tenure at Furniture Row Racing, Truex Jr. competed in 180 races, securing 17 wins, 56 top-five finishes, 91 top-10s, and 12 poles. After the 2024 NASCAR season, he retired from full-time racing, closing another significant era, as Chase Briscoe took over the famed JGR #19 Toyota Camry XSE.
Lasting Legacy Within NASCAR’s Community
The effects of Martin Truex Jr. cancer recovery seen through Sherry Pollex’s experience continue to resonate within the NASCAR environment. Pollex’s philanthropic spirit, recognized by racing legends like Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty at the grand opening of her Sherry Strong Integrative Wellness Center, and celebrated with honors such as the Myers Brothers Award, highlights the sense of unity and support Nichols and others have found in the NASCAR family.
Figures like Regan Smith, Jeff Gluck, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Larson carry on the legacy of determination set by both Pollex and Truex Jr., illustrating how the NASCAR world rallies around challenges—both on and off the track. As the racing community continues to honor Pollex’s memory and both reflect on Furniture Row Racing’s history and look forward to new drivers like Chase Briscoe taking the mantle, the ongoing commitment to cancer awareness and recovery, inspired by Sherry Pollex, will no doubt remain a defining element of NASCAR’s collective spirit.
