Martin Truex Jr., the celebrated NASCAR driver, recently confronted the Martin Truex Jr. trophy controversy after learning that several of his racing trophies were sold without his consent. The incident, which surfaced following his retirement in 2024, stirred strong reactions within the NASCAR community as prized memorabilia appeared for sale online.
Trophies Sold Without Permission
Soon after completing his final full-time season, Martin Truex Jr. discovered through social media that a number of his most significant career trophies had been listed online for sale. These items held profound sentimental value for Truex Jr., marking important milestones from his 19-season career, including his championship run and memorable victories.
He addressed the situation directly, explaining his dismay:
“It’s been brought to my attention some of my trophies were for sale online. These items were sold without my knowledge. Every one of these items holds a special significance to me.”
– Martin Truex Jr., former NASCAR Cup Series driver
Among the items discovered for sale was the unique Loudon the Lobster trophy from his last win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Other memorabilia included his special Toyota TRD retirement die-cast, his NASCAR 75 Greatest Drivers watch, and several of his regular-season championship trophies—each with distinct meaning in his long career.
How the Sale Unfolded
The unauthorized sale reached public attention when a fan spotted the Loudon the Lobster trophy listed in the Race Day Authentics Facebook group. The group administrator, Bradley StClair, was later identified as one of the buyers. However, StClair clarified that he had been misled about the origins of the items he bought.
“The person we purchased them from worked alongside Martin for over 10 years and sold the trophies to us under the assumption he had been gifted them as he was clearing out his house. We have been in contact with Martin all day and we have a plan in place to get the trophies back to their rightful owner.”
– Bradley StClair, Race Day Authentics administrator
This revelation prompted direct communication between StClair and Martin Truex Jr., resulting in an agreement to return the trophies. The incident highlighted not only the vulnerability of personal sports memorabilia but also the trust placed in long-time colleagues and friends.
Truex Jr.’s Racing Legacy and Recent Activities
Martin Truex Jr. left an indelible mark on NASCAR, winning 34 Cup races that included iconic events like the Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. His crowning achievement came in 2017 when he secured the NASCAR Cup Series championship with Furniture Row Racing. After retiring, Truex Jr.’s spot in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Toyota Camry went to Chase Briscoe, who is now pursuing his first Cup Series title.
Despite stepping away from full-time competition, Truex Jr. returned to racing at this year’s Daytona 500 in a one-off appearance with Tricon Garage, driving the No. 56 Toyota. His longtime crew chief, Cole Pearn, also came back for the event. Reflecting on his Daytona return, Truex Jr. said:
“It’s going to be a really cool deal to be able to work with Cole and have the number 56 again. I really appreciate everyone at Bass Pro Shops, Tricon and Toyota helping put this together to go have some fun.”
– Martin Truex Jr., former NASCAR Cup Series driver
Starting from the 39th position, Truex Jr. ended up finishing 38th in the race. The Daytona 500 was won by William Byron, with Tyler Reddick, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Briscoe, and John Hunter Nemechek completing the top five.
Looking Ahead for Truex Jr. and NASCAR
The Martin Truex Jr. trophy controversy has spotlighted not only the risks that come with racing memorabilia but also the close bonds and trust within the racing world. The quick response from both fans and buyers like StClair demonstrated a shared respect for drivers’ personal achievements. As Truex Jr. continues to be recognized among NASCAR’s greatest drivers, the return of his trophies is a significant step in preserving the legacy of a storied career, reminding all involved of the importance of trust and integrity in sports.
