JRG driver Martin Truex Jr. and his crew chief James Small made headlines for wrong reasons last month at Richmond when the two got into a heated dialogue via the team radio in the race’s closing stages.
The fierce radio exchange left a nasty impression about the pair’s relationship in the garage.
Supporters of the 2017 champion quickly requested Small’s departure, as they wanted to see the return of Truex Jr.’s former crew chief Cole Pearn.
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Truex Jr and his new crew chief celebrated their first victory at Dover Speedway last Sunday.
That victory at Dover might be the turning point to have changed some minds over his position.
James Small secured a playoff spot as of now, Truex Jr. surprisingly missed out on the Top 16 last season after a winless run for the entire season finishing P17 in the Cup standing.
Small takes a cheeky dig at Fans
Following the race, Small stopped by with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio reporter Claire B. Lang and spoke about that late caution and how it felt like deja vu for Truex and JGR.
“I feel like we were always waiting for a yellow,” the crew chief admitted. “It bit us at Richmond, and we finally came out on the other side of it here. Just very happy.” – James Small
Minor was asked by the reporter whether he had any particular messages about the JGR team’s fans.
“They can stop sending me s***** messages on Twitter asking for Cole (Pearn) to come back,” he said with a smile. “Anyway, we’re good.” he replied.
Martin Truex Jr. Dover’s triumph has carried positive momentum to the No:19 team and now it’s the up to Small to keep that proceeding.