Truex Welcomes Another Shot At The Daytona 500, This One In The No. 56 His Late Father Drove

When Martin Truex Jr. started discussing a deal to compete in the Daytona 500 , he had a unique request: Could he drive the No. 56?

It was a resounding yes from Tricon Garage, and the decision has become even more special for Truex in the weeks since.

A day after Truex formally announced his entry into "The Great American Race," his father died unexpectantly at age 66 . Truex Sr. drove the No. 56 for much of his racing career, which included 15 starts in the second-tier 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."

It might be most emotional for the Truex family, specifically Martin and younger brother Ryan.