Sherry Pollex, a cancer advocate, a long-time fixture of the NASCAR garage and former partner of Martin Truex Jr., lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Sunday (Sept. 17), according to a statement from her family. Pollex was 44.
Pollex was most recently given a standing ovation at the “Catwalk for a Cause” charity event held by Truex’s foundation on Thursday, though she was unable to attend the event.
Although she is known for her long-time relationship with Truex, her background in NASCAR extends to her father Greg Pollex, former owner of PPC Racing which won the 2000 NASCAR Busch Series championship with driver Jeff Green. She and Truex were in a relationship up until earlier this year, when the 2017 Cup champion announced the two had agreed to mutually separate.
Truex released the following statement.
Her list of accomplishments outside racing include founding the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic in Charlotte, as well as serving as an inspiration to the entire racing community.
“If you really look at your life, no matter what your situation is or how bad your disease is, there’s always something to be thankful for when you wake up in the morning,” Pollex told Coping Magazine in 2019.
NASCAR released a statement Sunday afternoon addressing Pollex’s passing.
“NASCAR is saddened to learn of the passing of Sherry Pollex, whose fight against cancer and determination to help others through the Sherry Strong Foundation was an inspiration to all who knew her,” it read. “NASCAR and the NASCAR Foundation’s thoughts and prayers are with Sherry’s family and friends.”
About the author
Garrett joined Frontstretch as a news writer in 2023, and became a fantasy racing and betting writer in 2024. Hailing from the heart of coal country in southern West Virginia, he's a married father of three and currently enrolled in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at New River Community Technical College in Beaver, WV.
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I thought she wasn’t doing well when she missed catwalk for a cure last week.
Prayers to her family and friends and to Martin and his family as well.
44 is so young. Fly high with the angels Sherry.
I am a huge fan of Martin and have been following Sherry since she started her foundation. I am very saddened to hear of her passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and Martin.
I’m so sorry RIP Sherri , your pain is gone now, 🙏
RIP Sherry
I’m sorry for Lost you sherry pollex Martin Truex Jr
Sherry was super strong and a great example for patients of any illness or disease, she and Martin were a fantastic team and she will be missed by so many. Rest in peace Sherry!!
Sorry to hear this prayers 🙏 and hugs to the Pottlet family and Matin Truax family and the world of Nascar.
So deeply saddened to hear this horrific news. God Bless you Sherry, your family. And Martin and his…… You will be deeply missed, already are by many….💔🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
Kim Douglas
Tucson, AZ
The World has lost such a precious person. Her fight for a cure and vibrant passion for all of her help will forever Love on.
So sad to hear…RIP Sherry Pollex…♥️
Sending prayers of comfort to her family and all who loved her…🙏
Rest in peace my dear 😇🪽 You and Martin helped me go through cancer treatments even though I have thyroid cancer. I will never forget everything you have said or done about this terrible disease — CANCER.
I had the honor of meeting Sherry in 2017 after Martin won the championship. Sherry was beautiful inside and out. Rest in peace angel. Praying for all who loved her.
So, so sorry for this beautiful lady! My thoughts and prayers for her family and also for Martin and his family! They made a beautiful couple and were involved with something so amazing!
Sherry was a fantastic lady who always put the other people first. She was an inspiration to everyone with cancer. I have MS and there’s no cure for it. Sherry’s the reason why I get up every day and fight my disease. She’s my inspiration to keep fighting my MS. I don’t have cancer but Sherry was a great example of NEVER GIVE UP!!!! I’m sure she went straight to Heaven yesterday because of all she did. My heart breaks for my favorite driver, Martin Truex, and his family. Hope he goes all the way this year in the playoffs. DO IT FOR SHERRY MARTIN!!!!