In a disappointing turn of events, Martin Truex Jr has officially exited the NASCAR playoffs, marking the end of a season filled with ups and downs. As one of the elder statesmen of the NASCAR Cup Series, Truex entered the playoffs with a sense of anticipation, enhanced by a season where he showcased resilience and tenacity.

Martin Truex Jr. appeared to be doing everything he needed to do to advance into the Round of 12. He erased much of the 14-point deficit he entered Bristol with by collecting 16 stage points. It was going to be close,

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. reacts to Bristol heartbreak and the failure to advance to the Round of 12 in his final season.

Truex was penalized for speeding on Lap 333 in the final stage and couldn’t recover from it as the race went caution-free the final 163 laps. Truex said he was .09 mph over the pit road speed limit in one section and that’s what led to the penalty.

Martin Truex Jr. is retiring from full-time racing after 2024, but will the introverted Truex ride off into the sunset or have the itch to drive?

Here's the full playoff picture after Saturday's race in Bristol, with the standings resetting for the Round of 12: SATURDAY'S RESULTS: Who won NASCAR Cup race in Bristol? Winner is Kyle Larson, plus full results Martin Truex Jr.

In his final full-time NASCAR Cup Series season, Martin Truex Jr. will not win his second championship. The 2017 champion was eliminated from the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs on Saturday at Bristol.

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