Life in the NASCAR garage moves fast. One minute you're the face of a decade-long "power couple" narrative, and the next, you're navigating the complexities of a new relationship under the harsh glare of the public eye. For Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup Series champion, the transition hasn't just been a personal shift; it's been a public evolution. Enter Emily Collins, a name that sparked massive curiosity when she first appeared on the red carpet alongside the Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Fans are naturally protective. They watched Truex and his late former partner, Sherry Pollex, battle through some of the most harrowing health crises imaginable. When that nearly 20-year relationship ended in early 2023, and when Sherry tragically passed away later that year, the community felt the weight of it. So, when Martin showed up at the NASCAR Awards in Nashville with a new face by his side, the internet did what the internet does: it started digging.
Who Exactly is Emily Collins?
Unlike the many "social media influencers" often seen orbiting professional sports, Emily Collins seems to keep a much lower profile. Honestly, it’s a bit refreshing. She isn't out there posting "day in the life" TikToks from the pit box.
Basically, here is what we know for certain:
👉 See also: Martha Stewart Young Modeling: What Most People Get Wrong
- She hails from New Jersey, which is the same home turf Martin Truex Jr. often references with pride.
- She is a registered nurse. While Martin spends his Sundays at 200 mph, Emily’s professional life has been rooted in healthcare, a detail that many fans find grounded and relatable.
- Their public "debut" happened on November 30, 2023, at the Music City Center in Nashville.
Since that first appearance, Emily has become a frequent fixture at the track. She was spotted again at the 2024 NASCAR Awards in Charlotte, looking comfortable in a role that can be incredibly high-pressure. You aren't just a "girlfriend" in NASCAR; you're a part of the team's traveling ecosystem.
The Transition from the Sherry Pollex Era
We have to address the elephant in the room. You can't talk about Emily Collins and Martin Truex Jr. without acknowledging the shadow of the past. Martin and Sherry Pollex were more than a couple; they were a brand of resilience. When they split in January 2023, it was a shock.
Martin’s statement at the time was short: "Sherry and I have made the decision to end our relationship. I will have no further comment."
✨ Don't miss: Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Then came the tragedy of Sherry’s passing in September 2023. The timing of Martin’s new relationship with Emily—becoming public just a few months after Sherry’s death—led to some inevitable friction online. Figures like Danica Patrick even voiced public criticism regarding how Martin handled the situation. It was messy. It was human. It was complicated.
But here’s the thing: grief isn't linear. Martin had already been separated from Sherry for nearly a year by the time he and Emily went public. While the fans were still mourning the "story" of Martin and Sherry, Martin was already living a different reality.
Spotted at the Track: 2024 and Beyond
If you’ve been watching the broadcasts lately, you've probably caught glimpses of her. She isn't just there for the fancy awards dinners. Emily was seen on the grid at Bristol Motor Speedway during the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race. She stood by the #19 Toyota as the playoffs reached a fever pitch.
🔗 Read more: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
That race was actually a heartbreaker for Martin. A speeding penalty on pit road basically ended his championship hopes in his final full-time season. Having a support system like Emily in those moments matters. The life of a driver is a rollercoaster of adrenaline and crushing disappointment.
Why this relationship feels different
- Low Volume: They aren't selling their relationship to a reality show.
- Professional Balance: She has her own career in nursing, which provides a stark contrast to the glitz of the Cup Series.
- Maturity: They both seem content to let the photos speak for themselves without felt-need for long, explanatory Instagram captions.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As we move through 2026, Martin Truex Jr. is in a different phase of life. He’s stepped back from the grueling 38-week full-time schedule. This "semi-retirement" usually means more time for the things he loves: fishing, hunting, and spending time back in Jersey.
Will we see Emily Collins more often now that the pressure of the championship hunt is off? Likely. When a driver stops chasing points every weekend, the "WAG" (Wives and Girlfriends) title usually shifts toward a more normal, private partnership.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Respect the Privacy: If you're looking for deep-dive interviews about their personal life, you likely won't find them. Both Martin and Emily seem to prefer a "private but not secret" approach.
- Follow the Racing, Not Just the Gossip: Martin's legacy is built on the track. While the curiosity about Emily is natural, his performance in his final starts remains the primary story.
- Check the Red Carpet: The annual NASCAR Awards remain the best place to see the couple's rare public statements through fashion and photos.
At the end of the day, Martin Truex Jr. found a way to move forward after a very public and painful chapter. Emily Collins appears to be a steady, calming presence as he transitions out of the cockpit and into whatever comes next. It might not be the "fairytale" the fans originally wrote for him, but it’s the one he’s choosing now.