4. In the Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, Truex would be in 1st place for a small portion of the end of the race, looking to secure a second title. With just under 30 laps to go, the caution came out because of David Starr putting debris on the racetrack after cutting a tire. Truex tried his best to overtake the top contender, Kyle Larson, as the laps kept winding down, but ultimately finished 2nd in points after coming up just short of winning. This was the 3rd time in Truex's NASCAR Cup Series career that he has finished 2nd in points. 2022: Championship 4 to Missing the Playoffs Truex started the 2022 season with a 13th place finish at the 2022 Daytona 500. He was winless through the regular season, but he stayed consistent with three top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes. In June, Truex expressed uncertainty about his future in the NASCAR Cup Series with him debating over if he will retire or stay with JGR. He would ultimately choose to stay with JGR and run the 2023 season. Despite leading the season in stage wins (7) and being fourth in the regular season standings at the conclusion of the August Daytona race, Truex missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after finishing eighth, three points behind Ryan Blaney for the 16th and final playoff spot as Austin Dillon won the race to become the 16th different race winner of the season. Truex went winless and finished 17th in the final standings. 2023 Truex began the 2023 season by winning the 2023 Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum. Personal life Truex was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and grew up in the Mayetta section of Stafford Township, New Jersey. He graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1998. His father, Martin Truex Sr., was a former race winner in the Busch North Series. His younger brother, Ryan, is a former champion in the K&N Pro Series East, and was a contender for 2014 Rookie of the Year in Sprint Cup. Truex and his ex-girlfriend Sherry Pollex were together from 2005-2023. In 2007, they started the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation to support children with pediatric cancer. In 2014, Pollex was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer. Truex announced that he and Pollex have ended their relationship on January 27, 2023. In January 2007, Truex was charged with disorderly