Martin Truex Jr. continues to celebrate his NASCAR legacy by honoring the mentors and pivotal influences who shaped his career, especially at significant moments such as tributes within the racing community. During a deeply emotional weekend at the Grand Bash National Awards, both Truex and his brother Ryan highlighted the enduring bonds formed in NASCAR and the lasting impact their mentors left on the sport.
Guidance from Legends: Martin Truex Jr.’s Early Days in NASCAR
For Martin Truex Jr., recognizing the individuals responsible for launching his journey within NASCAR has always been a point of pride and humility. Dale Earnhardt Jr. played an instrumental part, giving Truex his first major opportunity in the Busch Series back in 2003. That stepping stone set Truex on a path to championship success, culminating in a NASCAR Cup Series title in 2017. Reflecting on his influential mentor, Truex openly credited Dale Earnhardt Jr., stating,
“I wouldn’t be here today without him. My path would surely be different.”
— Martin Truex Jr., 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The mentorship provided by Earnhardt Jr. not only propelled Truex’s career but set an example for the power of guidance and encouragement in the sport. This sense of gratitude and acknowledgment is a thread that continues through the Truex family, demonstrated most recently by Ryan Truex’s emotional gesture at the Grand Bash National Awards.
Ryan Truex’s Poignant Salute to Shigeaki Hattori
On an emotional Sunday night, Ryan Truex accepted the first-ever Racing Legacy Award on behalf of Shigeaki Hattori, the late team owner and driving force behind Hattori Racing Enterprises. The honor marked a bittersweet moment, as Hattori’s sudden passing in a motor vehicle accident earlier in the year had sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. Ryan Truex expressed his heartfelt respect, saying,
“I was very honored to accept this award on Shige’s behalf last night. Will always be thankful for everything he did for me and my career, he is missed!”
— Ryan Truex, NASCAR Driver
The connection between Ryan Truex and Hattori traced back to 2016 when Shigeaki Hattori, intent on taking Hattori Racing Enterprises further, placed his confidence in the younger Truex by entrusting him with the No. 81 truck for a full season in the NASCAR Truck Series. The pair nearly experienced a dream victory at Daytona International Speedway, with Truex leading the field until a last-lap crash dashed their hopes—instead, Johnny Sauter seized the win under caution.
Truex’s time with Hattori, marked by close calls and persistent struggles with team funding, became the foundation for both his own career and Hattori’s ambitious journey as a team owner. Even as sponsorship issues cut plans short in 2016, Truex returned for another campaign the following year, showing resilience and tenacity as he secured pole positions and laid the groundwork for future achievements at Hattori Racing Enterprises.
The Weight of Shigeaki Hattori’s Legacy in NASCAR
Shigeaki Hattori left a deep impression on all who worked with him. Prior to his tragic passing, he devoted much of his energy to elevating his team and the drivers who believed in his vision. Hattori’s career was a story of relentless drive, passion, and quiet heroism—first as a competitor in series like IndyCar and Formula Toyota, and then as a committed NASCAR team owner.
After launching Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2008, Hattori led the team through years of struggle and steady growth. The perseverance paid off spectacularly in 2018 when Brett Moffitt delivered a championship for HRE, cementing the organization as a symbol of determination and success. Hattori’s efforts as a leader were recognized by many as fundamental to raising the profile of small, resource-limited teams determined to compete at the highest level.
His vision extended beyond personal ambition—he fostered a culture of belief, mentorship, and opportunity for new generations of racers from both American and international backgrounds, often operating away from NASCAR’s central spotlight. This approach left an indelible mark on drivers such as Ryan Truex and inspired peers throughout the series.
The Grand Bash National Awards: Honoring Unsung Achievements
The recent Grand Bash National Awards event, spearheaded by Tommy Joe Martins, was established to pay tribute to the efforts of team owners, drivers, and key team members often overlooked in NASCAR’s upper echelons. This initiative shone a light on the dedication and sacrifices that define the craftsman’s path in the Truck and Xfinity Series, finally offering overdue acknowledgment to figures like Hattori.
The ceremony came as a heartfelt affirmation that effort, perseverance, and leadership in NASCAR’s less-publicized arenas are critical to the sport’s continued vibrancy. For Hattori, whose leadership spanned from the racetracks of Suzuka to victories at Charlotte, the award celebrated every incremental triumph leading toward a greater legacy—culminating in moments such as the 2018 championship win and his persistent advocacy for developing new talent.
By recognizing his achievements posthumously, the Awards underscored the collective appreciation felt by the community, ensuring that the stories of visionaries like Hattori would inspire future generations to challenge the odds and pursue their racing dreams with equal passion and resilience.
A Lasting Impact on NASCAR’s Future
Martin Truex Jr.’s journey stands as a living example of how legacies are built and honored in NASCAR. With mentors like Dale Earnhardt Jr. having paved the way, and leaders such as Shigeaki Hattori shaping the stories of younger drivers like Ryan Truex, the bonds of mentorship, perseverance, and gratitude remain a core part of racing culture.
Both the Grand Bash National Awards and the deeply personal tributes offered by the Truex brothers highlight how individual acts of recognition and remembrance serve to strengthen NASCAR’s community. These events preserve and amplify the meaning of sporting legacy, ensuring the sacrifices, dreams, and victories of its most passionate figures are never forgotten. Going forward, the inspiration provided by stories like these will continue to drive racers, teams, and fans alike, emphasizing the unique significance of the Martin Truex Jr NASCAR legacy.
I was very honored to accept this award on Shige’s behalf last night. Will always be thankful for everything he did for me and my career, he is missed! https://t.co/7P2SBuJXNg
— Ryan Truex (@Ryan_Truex) December 15, 2025
