“It’s just overwhelming to think about all the rough days and bad days. I never thought this day would come, and to be here is so unbelievable.” Those are the words of Martin Truex Jr. after clinching his first NASCAR Cup Series title in 2017, capping a standout year with eight victories and a career-high 2,253 laps led. But much of the credit went to his crew chief, Cole Pearn, whose smart setups kept the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota ahead of the pack. It wasn’t just driver skill; it stemmed from close work with Toyota engineers.

Toyota powered through 2017 with 16 total wins, including seven in the 10 playoff races, showcasing an edge that left rivals scrambling. Pearn’s role in that success has long sparked curiosity among fans about the behind-the-scenes tweaks that made the di

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