Truex Jr.'s Deal Has Increased Sponsorship From Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats

NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. "signed a new contract Thursday to remain with Furniture Row Racing" through the '18 Cup season in a two-year deal that "takes effect next year," according to Tom Jensen of FOXSPORTS.com. The Denver-based team, which has "largely been self-funded since its inception" in '05, will have "additional sponsorship next year, as Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats will increase its primary sponsorship schedule on Truex's No. 78 Toyota from 12 to 16 races in 2017, starting with the Daytona 500." Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats "were the primary sponsors for Truex's two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships" in '04 and '05, and his "primary sponsor for the first three years of his Sprint Cup career" (FOXSPORTS.com, 8/4). The move comes amid rumors that Furniture Row Racing will add 5-Hour Energy as the primary sponsor for a second Cup entry next year.