Martin Truex Jr is on the path to securing the regular season title, and a lot of the credit has to go to the expertise of his crew chief, James Small. Since taking on the crew chief role for Truex Jr in 2020, Small has guided him to eight wins till now, and 3 in the 2023 season alone.

After the most recent victory, Small spoke about his journey with the team and disclosed some strange but intriguing information about their latest team dinner. 

How James Small’s leadership helped Martin Truex Jr’s racing career

After a winless 2022 season that left Truex Jr. considering retirement, he has emerged as a serious contender for the Cup Series championship in 2023. His recent victory at New Hampshire allowed him to take the lead in the Regular Season Championship points standings, with a 17-point advantage over William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports.

With only six regular season races remaining, Truex Jr and Small focus on maintaining their momentum and maximizing their performance on every track.

Small expressed the significance of the recent win at New Hampshire. In the press conference, he stated, “We come here, and we really expect to win, and thankfully we crossed it off the list today.”

Despite showing a strong pace across various tracks, Small acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the sport, where external factors can impact the outcome. The 2023 season has been a redemption story for the driver after a challenging 2022. Small’s promotion to crew chief in 2020 has proven instrumental in Truex Jr’s resurgence.

WATCH THIS STORY: Martin Truex Jr Blamed Denny Hamlin for Losing to Ross Chastain on the Radio

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Laughter, jokes, and superstition: NASCAR Fans went into a frenzy after seeing the team’s dinner bill

After earning the lobster in Hampshire, the Joe Gibbs Racing team went out for team dinner, where after the bill was rounded up turned up a surprising amount. Small shared the bill receipt on his Twitter, and the comment section boomed with laughter and jokes as fans joined in the good humor.

And let’s just say it looks like the luck favors #19 Toyota Camry.

‘You can’t make this sh*t up!🏁🏁🏁🏁” a fan commented.

Another added, ‘It was meant to be! LFG!”

‘I used a pop-up toaster yesterday morning……invented in 1919,” one fan teased.

A few fans poked, “And seeing it 19 minutes later. It’s a sign. Putting the house on Truex right now.” 

“My notes app when I opened a new note and hit 1️⃣9️⃣ 🤯”

“I feel now the team and MTJ should sign it, frame it and put it in the shop 😂”

Truex Jr.’s struggles last year led many fans and analysts to question his future. However, with the guidance of James Small and the determination to bounce back, the New Jersey native has regained his competitive edge. Their partnership has propelled Truex Jr to success in the Cup Series, hoping to secure the championship in the playoffs.

READ MORE: Martin Truex Jr Confirms All the Speculations and Rumors as He Reveals the Secret Behind His Win

As the 2023 Cup Series season continues, all eyes will be on Martin Truex Jr and James Small as they strive for victory and establish their presence in NASCAR.