NASCAR: Could major sponsor development trigger Denny Hamlin move?

As a devoted NASCAR fan with years of racing history under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as I witness the potential departure of FedEx from Denny Hamlin‘s No. 11 Toyota. This iconic partnership has been a cornerstone of NASCAR for decades, and their wins speak volumes about their unwavering dedication to the sport.

Over the past few years, FedEx has reduced its participation in the NASCAR Cup Series. They were once a full-time sponsor for Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, but now they only partially sponsor the vehicle. In fact, the car has shown up less than it hasn’t over the past three and a half seasons.

The racing organization boasts three victories at the Daytona 500 and many more wins alongside Hamlin. However, it’s anticipated that they will gradually reduce their participation in motorsports moving forward.

Based on reports by Adam Stern at Sports Business Journal, persistent cuts in sponsorship may lead these companies – Mavis Tires & Brakes, Sport Clips, Interstate Batteries, and Yahoo – to withdraw entirely from NASCAR racing in the coming period, as they have been sharing primary sponsorship of the No. 11 Toyota on multiple occasions.

Hamlin expressed a preference for retiring under the banner of Joe Gibbs Racing, with longtime partner FedEx by his side throughout his professional journey. However, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of one day running his own racing team.

As a devoted NASCAR fan, I’ve noticed that full-season sponsorships are growing scarce in the Cup Series. With FedEx, the longest-standing primary sponsor, possibly stepping back, and Denny Hamlin’s contract, rumored to make him one of the highest-earning drivers, approaching its end in 2025, could it be that he might hang up his racing boots for a team other than the one he’s been competing with for almost two decades? The thought alone is enough to send chills down the spine of every dedicated fan.

Denny Hamlin to 23XI Racing?

The NASCAR racer who has won 54 times, in partnership with basketball legend Michael Jordan, co-owns the racing team 23XI Racing. For quite some time now, there have been whispers that this team, which was initially sparked by an online rumor in summer 2020, might expand to include a third car by purchasing a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing before the 2025 season starts.

They recently announced that Bubba Wallace has signed a contract extension to keep him behind the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota, and Tyler Reddick had already been under contract to continue with the team behind the wheel of the No. 45 Toyota.

As a gamer, I’ve got my fingers crossed about the possibilities for 2025! Riley Herbst and Corey Heim are rumored to be in contention for a third 23XI Racing Toyota, but here’s the twist: it could follow the Joe Gibbs Racing model, where different drivers get to take turns driving their “star car” throughout the Xfinity Series season. That means more opportunities and excitement for all of us fans!

Martin Truex Jr., currently a teammate on Joe Gibbs Racing, has been discussed as a potential contender to race with the team in the Daytona 500. As he plans to step down from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the year, Denny Hamlin has expressed his readiness to ensure a car is always ready for Truex whenever he needs it.

Moving to 23XI Racing in 2026 would be more convenient for Hamlin, who will be the oldest full-time driver in the Cup Series next year after Truex retires, as it wouldn’t necessitate the team to prepare for hiring a new full-time driver for just one season in 2025.

From my perspective as a dedicated fan, this strategy could provide them with an enhanced chance to scrutinize their ideal “drivers of tomorrow.” It might even offer unique chances for both Herbst and Heim to race in 2025, enabling them to showcase their skills and potential.

23XI Racing, prior to their debut as a single-car team in 2021, formed a technical partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing. This alliance has significantly influenced their performance. In 2022, they added a second car and recruited Kurt Busch alongside Wallace. However, Reddick took over from Busch in 2023.

In their four Cup Series seasons, they’ve taken victories in every race and Reddick even clinched the regular season championship in 2024. Thus, a shift to 23XI Racing for Hamlin would at least be an equal choice, if not more appealing, especially if FedEx decides to depart from NASCAR altogether next year.

2024-10-01 15:02

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