Truex getting close to making decision on future

CONCORD, N.C. -- Martin Truex Jr. will decide whether to return to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in the next few weeks.

Truex, a disappointing 19th in the Sprint Cup point standings heading into Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, said Thursday he was close to making a decision on his future.

But he didn't give any hints about where he might end up next season.

Truex

Truex signed a one-year contract last year to remain with Dale Earnhardt Inc., hoping to help turn around the struggling team. But DEI merged with Chip Ganassi Racing a few months later, creating some chaos that may have contributed to Truex's poor season.

His performance now has him at the forefront of free agent speculation.

A recent false rumor had him replacing struggling rookie Joey Logano at Joe Gibbs Racing, and his name has surfaced as a candidate for the No. 55 if owner/driver Michael Waltrip decides to retire at the end of the season.

"I'll let you know in a few weeks," Truex said. "There's a lot of things that factor into the decision. It's not like I'm making the decision for six months. It's a big deal. You've got to figure our where you want to be in three years and whether or not that decision will get you there. That's what I'm looking at."

He said the situation hasn't been a distraction and added that staying at EGR is still an option.

"It's not out of the equation by an means," he said.

Being more competitive, though, has to be part of the mix.

Since winning the pole for the season-opening Daytona 500, Truex has done little of interest this season. He has three top-10 finishes and has been 25th or worse six times.

"I want to win more races, multiple races, and contend for a championship," he said. "Put myself in the best position, in the position where I think I can make that a reality. That's all I can do right now."