After he went winless during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, most people connected to auto racing probably expected Martin Truex Jr. would come back with something big in 2023. It all started with the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum exhibition race in Los Angeles way back on Feb. 5.

Of course, that race didn’t provide points for the standings, but it set the precedent. The Stafford Township native was back with a hunger for another championship run.