Martin Truex Jr. enjoyed a warm welcome in his home state Thursday as New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy honored the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Murphy presented a declaration naming May 31, 2018 as “Martin Truex Jr. Day” in the state. Truex grew up in Mayetta, New Jersey, just over an hour away from the governor’s office in Trenton.
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Truex presented Murphy with an autographed, race-worn fire suit as the two posed alongside the championship trophy. The day of recognition comes one week after Truex and his Furniture Row Racing No. 78 team were celebrated at the White House.
“Being from New Jersey and thinking about having my own day is pretty crazy so it was a big day for me,” Truex said in a release provided by the Furniture Row team. “It was a huge honor to be recognized by Gov. Murphy for Furniture Row Racing’s achievements as a team. I’m very proud to be from New Jersey and to be the first NASCAR Cup Series Champion from the state is pretty awesome, as well. All that made today very special.”
Truex amassed eight wins, including a title-clinching victory in last year’s season finale, as he marched to his first championship in NASCAR’s top division. He was named New Jersey Sportsperson of the Year.