Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats to once again become primary sponsors for NASCAR superstar Martin Truex, Jr.
Bass Pro Shops today announced plans to increase its primary sponsorship schedule with Martin Truex, Jr. in 2017 beginning with the iconic Daytona 500 season opener.
The announcement builds on the longstanding relationship between Bass Pro Shops and Truex Jr., an avid outdoorsman and longtime fishing buddy of Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris. In addition to serving as Truex's first sponsor when he started his NASCAR career, Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats was the primary sponsor for two Xfinity Championships in 2004 and 2005, as well as the primary sponsor for Truex's first three years in the Sprint Cup.
"We are excited to elevate our support and partnership with our good friend Martin Truex Jr., an amazing competitor on the track and a passionate sportsman who loves the outdoors," said Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris. "It brings us tremendous pride to see Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats prominently displayed and have Martin personally representing our brands. Together with our longstanding friends at Toyota and Furniture Row Racing, we believe our partnership with Martin has a very bright future."
Truex, Jr. and Furniture Row Racing also announced a new multiyear agreement to drive the team's No. 78 Toyota Camry in NASCAR's Cup Series beginning in 2017. Truex has been the team's driver since the start of the 2014 season.
"The signing of Martin Truex to a new contract and Bass Pro Shops adding more races to its primary sponsorship package are a sign of strength and confidence for the future of Furniture Row Racing," said team president Joe Garone. "Martin has proved over and over that he is one of the blue chip drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are elated that he will continue to drive our No. 78 Toyota."
Truex has been the Furniture Row Racing driver since the start of the 2014 season. Last year, he qualified for the Chase playoffs and advanced to the final four. His 2015 season included one win, eight top fives and 22 top 10s.Garone added, "Bass Pro Shops has been one of the most visible, committed and respected sponsors in NASCAR for many years. We are grateful that the company is making an additional commitment to our team."
"Bass Pro Shops has been one of the most visible, committed and respected sponsors in NASCAR for many years. We are grateful that the company is making an additional commitment to our team."
Truex, 36, said there wasn't any question about what team and what car he wanted to drive going forward.
"This is where I want to be, driving the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota," said Truex. "We've come a long way in a short period of time. There are many reasons to feel excited and optimistic about the future of our racing program starting with the commitment from our team owner Barney Visser, the support from Toyota, the technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and the Bass Pro Shops sponsorship. We definitely have the resources and talent to go after victories and championships.
"I want to thank Barney and Joe Garone for the confidence that they have placed in me and also want to thank my good friend and hunting/fishing partner Johnny Morris for the continued support from Bass Pro Shops."
After 20 races of the current season he has claimed one win, three top fives, nine top 10s and ranks No. 1 with laps led at 989. The Mayetta, N.J. native won back-to-back Xfinity Series championships before joining the Cup series full time in 2006.