Why Martin Truex Jr. Could Be the Next Fan Favorite

Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR driver for Furniture Row Racing, has a lot going for him. He has the advantage of coming into the new NASCAR season with a championship under his belt, which gives him the momentum he needs to keep winning races. Winning the Monster Energy Cup Series stripped Truex Jr. of his underdog status, gaining a lot of attention from spectators. He also has the potential to gain a lot of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s fans, who are looking for someone to root for after Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement last season.

Fans of NASCAR have the tendency to remain loyal to one driver. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won the Monster Energy Cup Series fan favorite award for the past fifteen consecutive years. Before him, Bill Elliott won the award for a consecutive ten years. All of these fans are looking for a new favorite. Which is where Martin Truex Jr. comes in.

It makes perfect sense that Earnhardt Jr. fans would gravitate towards Truex Jr. when taken into account the long time friendship between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Truex Jr. It was after all, Dale Earnhardt Jr. who gave Martin Truex Jr. a shot at joining the Xfinity Series. As a result, Truex Jr. went on to win two Xfinity Series championships in 2004 and 2005.

Martin Truex Jr. not only possesses the skill set to keep winning races, but he is well liked by the team members who surround him, including business manager Todd Moore.

"He is a very genuine person," told Todd Moore. "I think people connect with him very well in terms of who he is and his lifestyle."

In addition, supporting Martin Truex Jr. comes with supporting a very good cause. Sherry Pollex, Truex Jr.'s girlfriend, has been battling ovarian cancer since 2014. Together, Truex Jr. and Pollex created the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. The foundation raises awareness and research funds for ovarian and childhood cancer. Catwalk for a Cause is one the events that the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation holds each year. During this event, children who have battled cancer have the chance to walk down a fashion runway with various celebrities and athletes. There is an auction held as well, which raises money for the cause.

Whether one wants to follow a new driver after Dale Earnhardt Jr. or support a good cause, Martin Truex Jr. is a strong candidate to become the next NASCAR fan favorite.