Danica Patrick has never been one to mince words.
The retired IndyCar racer turned NASCAR Cup Series driver built up quite the reputation for her outspoken personality during her time behind the wheel.
And apparently not much has changed since then.
Yesterday, the NASCAR world was in mourning over the news of the death of Sherry Pollex, the ex-girlfriend of Martin Truex Jr. who inspired the entire racing world and beyond during her fight with ovarian cancer.
Sherry Pollex, a fixture in the NASCAR garage who championed childhood cancer research and treatment and whose fight against ovarian cancer over the last nine years served as an inspiration to many, has died at age 44. RIP, Sherry. Family statement: pic.twitter.com/nvRyRuXp49
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 17, 2023
Pollex was a regular fixture in the NASCAR Cup Series garage while dating the 2017 series champion, and when the two ended their relationship in earlier this year, they continued to work together through their philanthropic efforts with the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, which the couple started in 2007 to help children with pediatric cancer.
Through the organization, Pollex also helped to found Catwalk For a Cause, a charitable fashion event for the NASCAR community to help benefit children suffering from cancer.
Her loss was met with an immediate outpouring of grief and tributes from the entire NASCAR community, and even NASCAR itself:
The NASCAR family mourns the loss of Sherry Pollex, who fought tirelessly with her philanthropic efforts to combat cancer.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 17, 2023
She was such a fighter. Inspiring in how she went about her own challenges but also how she learned to live every day to it’s fullest. Amy and I were lucky to have known her and call her a friend. https://t.co/wVzIxlK9LK
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 17, 2023
This is the way I will remember Sherry Pollex. Walking the Catwalk in 2016 after she had one of the kids take off her wig and throw it to the ground. A symbol of strength, determination, fight, joy and faith. https://t.co/vHK2j4SR9C
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 17, 2023
Linda Mac & I will always feel our lives were better by knowing Sherry Pollex! There was not a better person that touched so many lives! She is now in a much better place than we are! We Love You & Miss You! 🙏🙏❤️❤️
— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) September 17, 2023
Extremely sad to learn of the passing of Sherry Pollex…it was less than a year ago that she served as our honorary pace car driver. Sherry was such a fighter and has done so much in an effort to benefit those who are also fighting. Godspeed, Sherry. You have certainly left this… pic.twitter.com/jYc521N1IK
— Kip Childress (@KipChildress) September 17, 2023
Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sherry Pollex – because of her courage, strength and determination, her legacy will live on forever. 💛
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LegacyMotorclub) September 17, 2023
Richard Petty and the Petty Family is saddened by the loss of Sherry Pollex. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends!
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) September 17, 2023
😢
She inspired so many…Thinking of her and and her family.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) September 17, 2023
And of course, her ex-boyfriend Martin Truex Jr. also paid his respects to his former girlfriend who remained his partner in his charitable foundation until her death:
“From the very minute of her diagnosis, Sherry was determined to not only fight ovarian cancer with everything she had but also make a difference in the lives of others battling this terrible disease.
Sherry’s passion for making a difference in the lives of others was inspiring to everyone. Through her tireless charity work for so many years, her legacy will live well beyond our lifetimes and continue to help countless families who are battling ovarian and childhood cancer.
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her entire family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout her battle.”
Statement from Martin Truex Jr. on
the death of his former partner, Sherry Pollex: pic.twitter.com/lwCMpLdIJN— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 17, 2023
But apparently that statement didn’t sit well with Danica Patrick…
The former NASCAR driver took to her Instagram story this morning to blast Truex for his statement, calling it “insensitive” and “disconnected,” while claiming that she never liked Truex.
“I avoid negativity on social at almost all costs. Almost…
But this is the most insensitive disconnected statement from a guy that I have never liked. And obviously for good reason.
I don’t care what happened between them but this is as cold as it gets. A PR rep wrote this guaranteed.
You’re free from this now Sherry.”
Yikes…
Not sure what the bad blood is between Truex Jr. and Danica, but obviously this is about more than his statement on Sherry’s passing.
