Denny Hamlin will skip NASCAR’s historic Mexico City race after the birth of his son. The Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) star prioritizes family during this milestone, ending a consecutive racing streak dating back to 2014. His absence creates a seismic opportunity for an unlikely substitute.
The younger brother of 2017 Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, will pilot the No. 11 Toyota in Sunday’s Viva Mexico 250. This marks his first Cup Series start since 2014, thrusting him into NASCAR’s groundbreaking international return.
Denny Hamlin’s Family First Decision Halts Historic Streak
Hamlin and fiancée Jordan Fish welcomed their third child this Wednesday, June 11. The three-time 2025 winner immediately withdrew from Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez’s debut Cup Series event. His last missed race occurred in March 2014 due to vision issues caused by a sinus infection.
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son,” Hamlin posted on his official X handle. “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.”
“See you guys in Pocono,” he captioned the tweet.
See you guys in Pocono pic.twitter.com/ggLoheBPuU
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) June 12, 2025
NASCAR reporter Claire B Lang emphasized that this wasn’t a surprise at all. “This is not a surprise… @dennyhamlin said it would be whatever was best for fiancee Jordan after his race win in Media Center last weekend. I don’t know how fans feel but good for Denny and congratulations to the family!!!” she tweeted.
This is not a surprise… @dennyhamlin said it would be whatever was best for fiancee Jordan after his race win in Media Center last weekend.
I don’t know how fans feel but good for Denny and congratulations to the family!!! pic.twitter.com/DXLSZpgDbj— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) June 12, 2025
JGR will request a playoff waiver to preserve Hamlin’s playoff eligibility. NASCAR explicitly lists childbirth as a reason for an approved waiver. The No. 11 JGR driver currently ranks third in points with 18 playoff credits. His return is set for Pocono next week.
Ryan Truex Seizes Unexpected Cup Series Redemption
Truex, 33, becomes JGR’s emergency replacement after serving as their reserve driver. His only 2025 start was February’s Daytona Xfinity race with Sam Hunt Racing. Sunday ends his 11-year Cup Series hiatus — his previous start came with BK Racing in 2014.
The younger Truex brother carries modest credentials: three Xfinity wins (two in 2024) and no top-10s in 26 Cup career starts.
“Sunday’s road course event will be the first time he has an opportunity in a top-tier Cup car,” Forbes reporter Joseph Wolkin wrote.
Truex will utilize dual Friday practice sessions (1:05 p.m. ET and 3:00 p.m. ET) to adapt. Qualifying follows Saturday at 12:05 p.m. ET. The No. 11 team retains full manufacturer support despite the abrupt swap.
Hamlin endorsed the move publicly, saying, “I appreciate everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, our partners, and our fans for the support over the last few weeks, and I look forward to being back at the track next weekend in Pocono.”
Mexico’s 3:00 p.m. ET race Sunday (Prime Video/MRN/SiriusXM) marks NASCAR’s first international points event since 1958. For Truex, it represents a crossroads, a fleeting shot to rewrite his legacy in championship equipment. As Hamlin embraces parenthood, his substitute races against time to prove belonging.