Denny Hamlin is still on baby watch as the Cup Series enters the Michigan International Speedway weekend. If you recall, there was a lot of chatter around him missing the Nashville race, as Hamlin’s fiancée, Jordan Fish, had her due date on the same day as the race.
By now, the NASCAR community had readied their congratulatory messages, but the newest addition to the Hamlin family seems to be taking his sweet time.
After having two daughters, Hamlin is ready to welcome his first son. Naturally, he would not want to miss the moment of his birth. So, currently, the No. 11 driver is on his toes in case the Michigan weekend turns out to be the big day.
Denny Hamlin Is Ready To Leave Michigan Speedway at Any Moment
So far, Fish has not shown any symptoms, and Hamlin has completed qualifying for the FireKeepers Casino 400. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver secured a P3 start for the race. However, it’s uncertain whether it will be him driving the No. 11 car when the race gets underway.
Ahead of the race, Hamlin also spoke to NASCAR.com, where he said, “Just patiently waiting. ‘Thought we’d be almost a week in by now, but just patiently waiting. We’re gonna wait to see where her symptoms are at. I’ve got some meetings and whatnot here first. So after that’s over, see where her symptoms (are) at and if she has any, then certainly we’ll go back.”
Denny Hamlin on baby watch again this week. Ryan Truex remains as the backup. What Hamlin said today after qualifying third for the race. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/5CdH7NfC9B
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 7, 2025
Ahead of the race, Hamlin also spoke to NASCAR.com, where he said, “Just patiently waiting. ‘Thought we’d be almost a week in by now, but just patiently waiting. We’re gonna wait to see where her symptoms are at. I’ve got some meetings and whatnot here first. So after that’s over, see where her symptoms (are) at and if she has any, then certainly we’ll go back.”
Ready to replace the Florida native in the Michigan race, if necessary, JGR has Ryan Truex prepared as the backup driver.
Truex has made 26 race starts in the Cup Series over his time in NASCAR, but none since 2014. However, he is not entirely new to the next-gen car; Truex has run a few practice laps in it. He also bagged two wins last season in the Xfinity Series, so he is in form and has got the talent.
However, the reason Truex is selected to replace Hamlin is that the two drivers are essentially the same size. And it will not be much of a hassle for the No. 11 team to adjust Hamlin’s car to fit Truex’s size at the last moment.
“I was worried about him reaching my pedals first of all. But it sounds like he fits fine. If they had overnight to adjust it, if that’s the case, if I get called tonight, they’ll be able to move the pedals back to make it all fit right for him. But overall, we’re basically the same kind of body size, so he’ll take over,” Hamlin added.
Well, only time will tell who’s behind the steering wheel of the #11 car when the Michigan race kicks off.