Ryan Truex Prepares for NASCAR Return

Background and Preparation

Ryan Truex, a reserve driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. He is taking over for Denny Hamlin, who is staying with his family after the birth of his son. Truex expresses excitement for this opportunity to participate in an international race.

Road to the Race

Truex received notification of his racing opportunity just one day before departing for Mexico, which added a layer of uncertainty to his preparations. Despite the tight timeline, he focused on getting ready through extensive training and practicing with racing simulations to ensure he is race-ready.

Making a Return

This race represents Truex's first start in the Cup Series since 2014. He reflects on his earlier experiences as being challenging but acknowledges that part-time roles with Joe Gibbs Racing in recent years have improved his confidence and skills, contributing to his readiness for this new challenge.

Simulator Experience

Investing significant time in simulators has been crucial for Truex as he familiarizes himself with the setup of the race car. He believes this practice will benefit him on race day, especially given the technological advancements in vehicles since his last Cup Series participation.

Focusing on Enjoyment

As Truex prepares for this pivotal moment, he emphasizes enjoying the experience over feeling pressured to perform. With support from the Joe Gibbs Racing team, he intends to honor the opportunities provided in his racing career through a respectful performance.

Strategic Preparation

Truex approaches the upcoming race with strategic insight, learning from previous experiences. His plan includes maximizing practice time to adapt to the car and the unique track conditions, maintaining a cautious driving style as he navigates potential performance variances of the vehicle.