Martin Truex Jr. went through a recent stretch in which he had just one top-10 finish in six races.
Then he got a boost - literally.
Toyota Racing Development gave the Stafford Township native a new engine for the July 29 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Truex finished eighth there and then third last weekend at Pocono Raceway.
"It was just unbelievable with the gains they have made," Truex said in quotes provided this week by his team, Michael Waltrip Racing.
Toyota and MWR both entered NASCAR in 2007. Truex joined MWR in 2010 after driving Chevrolets for his first four full NASCAR seasons.
"TRD and all of their guys have done an awesome job for us," he said. "They have come a long way — not only in the last few years but throughout this season."
Truex is fifth in the standings through 21 races, with five remaining before the Chase for the Championship. He's confident he will hold on to qualify for the Chase.
"I feel like we are up there with the top teams now," he said. "It certainly helps, especially on restarts, we have an engine package that can really keep up. I really appreciate what those guys have done for us and will continue to do for us.”
