Sad News - Martin Truex Sr.

Today at 07:04 PM

Martin Truex Sr., a veteran racer in the former NASCAR Busch North Series whose sons became next-generation stars, has died. He was 66 years old.

The news was announced Friday in a statement from sons Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex and daughter Marsha McVey, stating: "We are devastated by the loss of our father (Martin Truex Sr.). Simply put, he was our hero and a great man. We appreciate everyone‘s thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy at this time."

The elder Truex made 135 starts on the Busch North circuit, which has evolved into the current-day ARCA Menards Series East. He won once, prevailing in 1994 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in a preliminary event to the NASCAR Cup Series‘ second-ever race weekend there.

"He was a gentleman racer, fun to race with," said four-time Busch North champion Andy Santerre, in an interview last September. "I don‘t remember all my races, but I do remember that Martin Sr. beat me at New Hampshire in, I think, ‘94 and I finished second, and I was as happy for him as I was to finish second — and I don‘t think I‘d won a race at that point."

— NASCAR.com —