Denny Hamlin is used to being fast, whether it’s chasing chequered flags or moving up the Cup Series standings. But this past week, the three-time Daytona 500 winner decided to hit the brakes. Not for engine trouble or health concerns, but for something way more important — family.
The No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing star announced he’s skipping NASCAR’s first international Cup Series race of the modern era to stay home in North Carolina after the birth of his baby boy this Wednesday.
A Different Kind of Race for Denny Hamlin
With NASCAR ready for its first international Cup Series race in over half a century, the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City, everyone expected Hamlin to be there in his No. 11 Toyota Camry. He is coming off a spectacular win at Michigan International Speedway last weekend. Instead, he has decided to stay back home in North Carolina, enjoying the first moments of fatherhood again after his third child’s birth.
Hamlin announced the news with a heartfelt post on social media, “See you guys in Pocono.”
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son. Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.”
NEWS@dennyhamlin will miss Sunday’s @NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City. We will apply for a waiver to maintain his status for the 2025 Playoffs.
In Denny’s absence, @Ryan_Truex will pilot the No. 11 @Yahoo Toyota this weekend. pic.twitter.com/ilc5jNLaMG
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) June 12, 2025
His team took to social media to share the same news and mention the driver who will replace him in Mexico City. They also wrote about their intent to apply for a waiver to keep Hamlin in the playoffs.
Ryan Truex Steps In As Hamlin Hits Pause
With Hamlin out, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) will have Ryan Truex take his place for Sunday’s race at Autoědromo Hermanos Rodriěguez. He’s the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr., and isn’t a stranger to NASCAR himself. Truex’s last Cup Series start was way back in 2014, but he was busy in the Xfinity Series and will now get a chance to shine on the sport’s biggest stage again.
Hamlin, 44, had been on ‘baby watch’ for nearly two weeks as his fiancée Jordan Fish passed her due date. In fact, last weekend during the Michigan race, he was ready to jump out of the car mid-race if she went into labour. But when she didn’t, he went on to win the race — his third win this season and his 57th overall, making him the all-time winningest driver in JGR history.
Skipping the race in Mexico means Hamlin’s record streak of 406 consecutive Cup Series starts will come to an end. However, NASCAR will probably grant him a waiver under the sport’s medical provision for childbirth, hence he won’t lose his playoff eligibility.
Fans flooded social media with congratulations, and with some joking that their favourite drivers might finally get a shot at winning a race now that Hamlin isn’t racing. Whether it’s on the track or at home, Hamlin just keeps on winning — and this time, it’s in the best way possible.