Discussion has intensified around the Martin Truex Jr. memorabilia controversy following revelations that significant pieces of Truex’s NASCAR history were listed for sale online without his approval. The sales, first observed mid-week on Race Day Authentics, involved some of Truex’s most meaningful career mementos and sparked strong reactions from both the driver and fans.
Unauthorized Sales of Truex’s Iconic NASCAR Memorabilia
On Wednesday, several collector items belonging to Martin Truex Jr., including trophies and special awards from his decorated career, appeared for sale on Race Day Authentics. The listings included his New Hampshire Motor Speedway trophy from his final win, his retirement commemorative gift from Toyota TRD, a watch and shirt marking his place among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, and both his 2017 and 2023 Cup Series regular season championship trophies. The 2023 regular season championship trophy was listed with a price near $2,750.
The listings quickly drew attention and confusion, as many questioned whether the sales had been authorized by Truex himself. By Thursday night, Truex responded directly on social media, voicing his distress about the situation and confirming the memorabilia was put up for sale without his knowledge or permission.
“It’s been brought to my attention some of my trophies were for sale online,”
Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR driver wrote.
“These items were sold without my knowledge. Every one of these items holds a special significance to me.”
– Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR driver
Truex’s Recent Retirement and Racing Legacy
At 45, Martin Truex Jr. retired from full-time NASCAR competition after the 2024 season, concluding an illustrious career with 34 wins over 19 seasons, including signature victories at the Southern 500 and two Coca-Cola 600 races. His championship moment came in 2017 with Furniture Row Racing, piloting the No. 78 Toyota to eight season wins and clinching his first and only Cup title at Homestead-Miami Speedway in a thrilling season finale.
Following his 2024 retirement announcement, Truex stepped back from regular racing, but briefly returned in 2025 for a one-off effort in the Daytona 500 with Tricon Garage, driving the No. 56 Toyota. His comeback, however, ended in misfortune when he finished 38th after being involved in an early-race wreck.
“It’s always disappointing when you don’t finish no matter what situation especially in a race like this when it’s probably our only shot this year. Thanks to Tricon and everybody that helped us put this together,”
Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR driver said after the Daytona 500.
“It was fun while it lasted, but unfortunately, we were just wrong place, wrong time there. A big stack up and by the time they got to me, it was really aggressive. Just no time to react and knocked the nose off of the thing. Just unfortunate for all of our guys.”
– Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR driver
“We had a fun week down here, making the race. Was hoping to have a lot more fun than that. We were just biding our time, and just in a bad place on the restart there. Don’t know when or where or what [his next race is]. We will see.”
– Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR driver
Broader Reactions and What Comes Next
The incident has unsettled the NASCAR community, raising fresh concerns around how irreplaceable memorabilia from major figures, like Martin Truex Jr., is handled after retirement. Fans have voiced support for Truex, given the sentimental value attached to mementos such as championship trophies and retirement gifts. Truex’s comments have heightened tensions, spotlighting the need for better controls over ownership and sales of personal racing history.
As of now, there is uncertainty about how the items ended up for sale and whether further action will be taken by Truex, Race Day Authentics, or other involved organizations. The situation remains fluid, but it is likely to lead to stricter scrutiny and possibly new protocols around memorabilia and legacy protection for celebrated athletes in NASCAR and beyond.
Lot of interesting Truex stuff for sale on race day authentics, especially the final win trophy from Loudon. Surprising he’d get rid of that specifically pic.twitter.com/rr6Lyztf3c
— mario (@LostSchemes) September 24, 2025
