In talking of Martin Truex Jr.’s victory on Sunday at Sonoma Raceway, Toyota Racing Growth president David Wilson admitted the marketing campaign has begun to maintain Truex within the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota subsequent season.

“It positive has, and I’m optimistic,” Wilson mentioned Wednesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Truex signed a brand new contract with Gibbs final yr, however only for one yr. The 42-year-old former NASCAR Cup Sequence champion spent months weighing his choices final season with rumors swirling he was severely contemplating retirement. In talking about his choice to return in 2023, Truex mentioned it got here down as to whether he was pleased with what he was doing however hinted it might be the identical course of once more this season.

“From my body of reference and the place (he) is, a future Corridor of Famer on this sport, it’s about how enjoyable he’s having, and also you see him climbing out of that race automobile an increasing number of typically with a smile on his face,” mentioned Wilson.

“I additionally wish to give a shoutout to the 19 staff. James Small and the 19 staff saved Martin out entrance on Sunday, and I’ve talked prior to now courting again to final yr, actually our Achilles heel has been execution in pit lane, and what that staff did on Sunday was superior.

“They have been on it. They maintained his observe place. I believe Martin talked a little bit bit about it in that he’s had nice automobiles, he’s had some horrible luck, he’s had some poor execution in pit lane. So, for one of the best automobile to win, it nonetheless requires the staff to do their job, and that was, once more, very satisfying. And sure, we definitely hope that Martin continues to have enjoyable as a result of I consider that that shall be integral to him coming again for an additional yr at the very least.”

Truex’s win at Sonoma was his second on the season. It was his fourth win on the California street course.

Greater than midway by the common season, Truex is locked into the postseason and leads the Cup Sequence championship standings.

Sonoma was a profitable weekend for Toyota, which struggled as a company on the street programs final season. Toyota has now gained the primary two street course races on the schedule (Tyler Reddick gained at Circuit of the Americas), with Denny Hamlin ranging from the pole and main 33 laps. A mistake hitting the wall off Flip 11 relegated Hamlin to a last-place end as Truex went to victory lane.

“He has undoubtedly received his groove again,” Wilsons mentioned of Truex. “His win Sunday at Sonoma now makes clearly his second within the final six races; I believe he has 4 high fives (and) 5 top-10s in that very same span, and I’m so comfortable for him.

“I believe Martin’s simply in a great place, not simply on the observe however off the observe. I really like his spirit. I really like the gracious manner that he wins and competes. So, I’m a fan of Martin, and I believe he’s going to go deep this yr.”