The Tricon Garage veteran Martin Truex Jr. revealed a childhood memory that stands out in his otherwise autograph-averse life: a single signed card from Dale Earnhardt. The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion has forged a career defined by grit and quiet consistency. In a candid interview by Jeff Gluck in 2015, Martin shared memories of his first paycheck and fishing hobby.
Martin Truex Jr.’s Lone Autograph Memory
Truex admitted he’s “never been a big autograph person,” even as a kid. His sole exception was an Earnhardt signature obtained decades ago. “We were walking by a souvenir hauler—maybe at Pocono—and someone brought out a signed card,” he recalled.
“So I don’t even know if it was real, and I don’t remember if it was a real race hauler. But that’s the only time I’ve ever gotten an autograph in my whole life.”
The memory remains fuzzy, but its rarity underscores Truex’s pragmatic nature. Growing up, he prioritized earning cash over collectibles—cleaning boats, painting stuff, and sweeping shop floors to fund his racing dreams. By 16, he worked full-time on fishing crews, a far cry from the glittering haulers of NASCAR weekends.
His focus shifted to driving, not memorabilia. “I liked the feel of the old Cup cars,” he said, reminiscing about the 1970s-era machines.
“They were really fast to run around here and qualify in the mid-to-upper 190s without a restrictor plate in a big, boxy car. It would be fun to get in one of those and see what that felt like and what those guys really raced like.”
From Rivalries to Revelations
Truex’s straightforward approach extends to competition. The 2018 Martinsville playoff race against Joey Logano epitomizes this. Leading on the final lap, Truex was bumped wide by Logano, who stole the win and, later, the championship. “He gave me a cheap shot,” Truex fumed post-race. “He may have won the battle, but he’s not going to win the damn war.”
The clash remains a flashpoint for fans, but Truex channels such intensity sparingly. Off-track, he’s more likely to discuss Alaska fishing trips or phone addiction than dwell on grudges.
Even his hypothetical genie wish prioritized lifelong hobbies over titles. Truex said, “My hobbies are going to be here the rest of my life. Those are the things I want to do when I retire. Those are the things that are going to keep me sane when I’m not racing.”
As for autographs, Truex’s legacy, like Earnhardt’s, will be etched in trophies, not trading cards.