Truex aims for another Daytona 500 attempt, this time behind the wheel of the No. 56 car his late father once drove

When Martin Truex Jr. began talking about a deal to race in the Daytona 500, he had a special request: Could he drive the No. 56?

Tricon Garage agreed right away, and the decision has become even more meaningful for Truex in the weeks since.

The day after Truex officially announced his entry into “The Great American Race,” his father unexpectedly passed away at age 66. Truex Sr. had driven the No. 56 car for most of his racing career, which included 15 starts in the Xfinity Series and 135 starts in the ARCA Series in the 1990s.

“It probably means more. It probably hits home more with me of just what it means to us and our family,” said Truex Jr., who drove the No. 56 for four seasons (2010-13) at Michael Waltrip Racing. “A lot of people are going to be excited to see it out there.”

For the Truex family, it may be the most emotional, especially for Martin and his younger brother Ryan.

“Everything I’ve ever learned was from him,” Martin said. “He was my hero growing up and still is. He made a lot of things happen for me. Taught me a lot of things with racing and really the opportunity to get here and what I’ve accomplished is all because of him and his sacrifices. Hopefully we’ll go win this thing for him on Sunday.”

It would be a perfect tribute. And even though Truex has not won in his 39 starts at Daytona International Speedway, no one should count him out. Truex has the longest active losing streak in the Daytona 500, having failed to win in 20 starts.

But he came very close in 2016, finishing just inches behind Denny Hamlin in the closest finish in Daytona 500 history.

Truex hasn’t been as close since, though he has finished in the top 15 in each of the last three years, while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The 2017 Cup Series champion retired from full-time racing at the end of last season but chose to race in this one event with Tricon, hoping to finally win the 500. They still have an alliance with JGR.

“In the grand scheme of things, this is probably the easiest one to do as far as being a driver in a series,” Truex said. “You couldn’t do a one-off and go to Richmond or Dover or somewhere and expect to have a chance to win, honestly. It’s just not really feasible. …

“Speedway racing is the best opportunity to come out and have a true shot at winning. That’s why guys do it. That’s why I wanted to do it and especially because it’s the Daytona 500. It’s such a big race. It’s such a big deal.”

This could be Truex’s last chance. And winning the Daytona 500 in his 21st try, just a month after his father’s death and driving a car number that brings back memories for his family, would be an incredible achievement.

“We have as good a shot to win as anyone to win,” Truex said. “If you’re in it, you can win it. I’ve always said that. One of these days I’m going to be right about it.”