A multi-car accident on lap 68 ended Martin Truex Jr.’s strong run in Sunday’s Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Truex, who had led earlier in the race, was running in the second position when the No. 83 of Brian Vickers blew a right-front tire and slid up the track, collecting Truex and a host of other drivers. The No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet was too damaged to be repaired, and the Dale Earnhardt Inc. team was forced to call it a day.
Truex qualified 10th for the 188-lap event and had run with the lead pack of cars until the accident.
“It’s just frustrating,” Truex said. “We had a great car. I’ve got to thank everybody at ECR (Earnhardt Childress Racing Technologies engines) for all their hard work back at the shop. We were out there in the front and racing for the lead.
“The No. 83 was right there inside of me and his tire just exploded. I heard something that sounded like a shot gun going off. I was just along for the ride from there. It’s unfortunate. We had a bad week last week and another one this week.
“The guys are working hard. Our cars are fast and that’s what matters. I’m really happy with everyone’s efforts. This was as good of a car as I’ve ever had here and if we could have stayed around to the end, I’m confident we could have made a run at it.”
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