From appendectomy to pole, Ryan Truex looks to tame the Monster

Credit: Debbie Ross/Skirts and Scuffs

Eleven days ago Ryan Truex's schedule was in doubt. As he lay in the hospital about to have his appendix removed, Truex questioned his fate for upcoming races.

"When I was laying there in the hospital bed, I guess it was last Monday (May 21) night, I didn’t think there was any way I’d be able to race. I was just hoping I wouldn’t have to get surgery because I really wanted to race Dover.  Even after surgery, I was laying there thinking there was no way I’ll be ready by Dover," Truex said.

Thankfully his appendix was caught before it ruptured, allowing for easier healing and a quicker recovery process.

"The doctor said come back next week and we’ll see how you’re doing and for some reason I just healed up quickly and by this Tuesday (May 29) or Wednesday (May 30) morning when I went to see him, he said everything was good. I was feeling good. Now,  I’m pretty much back to 100 percent. I was lucky that I caught it early and that I was able to heal quickly."

If he was unable to race this weekend the plan was for brother Martin to fill his seat, but Ryan was not going to allow that.

"I knew if he got in the car, he’d win and he’s already won here in a Nationwide car. It’s my turn."

Dover is the home track for the Truex family. To win at the Monster Mile would not only mean his first win in NASCAR but would also be a win at the same track where his brother has seen success with one Cup win and two Nationwide wins.

"As everyone knows, this is one of my favorite places to be," Truex said on Friday during his media availability.  "It’s my home track, probably an hour-and-a-half from where I grew up. I always grew up coming and watching races here, watching my brother race here and watched him win his first Cup race and everything. I’ve always liked this track. I’ve only been up here on this little stage twice and both times I won a championship (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), so I’ve had a pretty good run here."

When the green flag drops for today's 5-hour ENERGY 200, Truex will lead the field in his 29th career race and only his fifth race of 2012.