Truex receives more accolades after standout Cup season

Earlier this month, members of the Eastern Motorsport Press Association voted Truex the organization’s Driver of the Year.

This is the second time Truex has won the award. He also claimed the honor following his championship in 2004 of what is now called the Xfinity Series.

“My racing roots are in the Northeast and to be recognized by the EMPA takes on a special meaning for the entire Truex family,” Truex, native of Mayetta, N.J., said in a statement.

“My family has spent many days and nights racing at Northeastern tracks, and that’s why I always feel like I’m going home when the NASCAR series’ competes at Dover, Pocono and New Hampshire.

Truex’s stellar 2016 season, in what is now called the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, included career-highs in wins (four), poles (five) and laps led (1,805 laps).  He set a NASCAR record for miles led (588) and an event record for laps led – 392 out of 400 – in winning this season’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Past winners of the award include Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Rusty Wallace, Tony Stewart and Terry Labonte from NASCAR; Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Mark Donohue from IndyCar; and Joe Amato and John Force from the NHRA.

The award will be officially presented to Truex during next weekend’s annual EMPA convention in King of Prussia, Pa.