The 2017 Colorado Sportsman of the Year has been crowned. NASCAR champ Martin Truex, Jr.

Wait, I didn't know Martin Truex was from Colorado? Well, he isn't. He was born in New Jersey.

But, his NASCAR sponsor, Furniture Row, is based out of Denver with a location right here in Grand Junction. In addition, he has also been named Colorado's 'Fan Favorite' Athlete of the Year by the website MileHighSports.com.

The race team also took home the award for 'Colorado's Team of the Year' while Joe Garone was a finalist in the 'Executive of the Year' Award category. Joe is the Furniture Row Racing team president.

Clinching the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup championship with eight wins and leading in practically every major racing category, the No. 78 was a true inspiration to us all in Colorado.

I guess I didn't realize how popular NASCAR was here in Colorado. Could you imagine if they built an official track here on the Western Slope? How awesome would that be? Schedule-wise you could do it. In March they have the Las Vegas, Phoenix and then Fontana (CA) sweep. You could squeeze another race in there. Honestly, you could take out the ridiculous road races. Never was a fan of those.

Because 'rubbin', son is racin'

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