Ryan Truex reveals advice from brother Martin Truex Jr. ahead of Mexico City race

This weekend is a big one for Ryan Truex. He is replacing Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Mexico City race. While Hamlin handles things with his newborn and family at home, Truex is getting what might be the best opportunity of his career.

The 33-year-old also happens to have a talented brother. Martin Truex Jr. won the 2005 Mexico City race on his way to his second Xfinity Series championship.

So, did big bro give Ryan Truex any pointers? Well, he did give him a bit of a warning.

“I texted him this week when I found out, and he said, ‘You know, the Truex’s are one for one in Mexico. So, no pressure.’ I’m glad he could throw that at me,” Ryan said to the media in Mexico. “But yeah, he’s been good for advice.”

The younger Truex talked a bit about his brother’s disposition. That no-nonsense, man-of-few-words persona isn’t a persona. That’s just who Martin Truex Jr. is.

“What you guys see here and what you guys see on TV, that’s him. That’s how he is. Short and to the point. If I ask him stuff, he’ll tell me, but I don’t know how much it will translate from 2005.”

Joe Gibbs Racing has a lot of faith in Ryan Truex. He does all of the simulator work for the Cup Series team. He is also the backup driver JGR has under contract. Now, he gets his big opportunity in the No. 11 Toyota.

Ryan Truex embracing the moment in Mexico City

Of course, Truex is taking everything in stride. He last raced in the Cup Series back in 2014 with BK Racing. That effort was not successful. Truex didn’t even finish out the full season before being let go by his team.

Despite not racing full-time, Ryan Truex makes the most of the few races he gets to start. Truex has three Xfinity Series wins in the last two seasons, but has only made one start in 2025.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s, my last time in Cup was not a fun experience. It didn’t go well for me, I didn’t enjoy it,” Truex admitted. “That was probably not the right move for me career-wise, and kind of been fighting back since then, a little bit. But I enjoy what I do with JGR. You know, I’ve been able to race part-time the past few years and do all of my stuff away from the track, and it’s been nice. It’s fun to race part-time and get Saturdays at home, but it’s also fun to be at the track.”