In a heartfelt and family-first decision, Denny Hamlin will not compete in this Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, as he remains home following the birth of his son on Wednesday, June 11. Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) made the announcement Thursday, confirming that reserve driver Ryan Truex will take the wheel of the No. 11 Yahoo Toyota Camry XSE.
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son,” Hamlin shared in a statement released by JGR. “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. 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.”
The timing of Hamlin’s decision reflects comments he made earlier in the week during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, where he made it clear that his fiancée’s health and the impending birth would come before racing. His choice means he will miss the Cup Series’ first-ever race at the iconic Mexican road course—a highly anticipated international event in the 2025 schedule.
Despite missing the race, JGR fully supports Hamlin’s choice and plans to apply for a playoff waiver, which would allow him to maintain his eligibility for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Hamlin has had a strong season so far, currently sitting third in the points standings with three victories, including a dominant win just last weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
Ryan Truex, younger brother of former Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., now steps into one of NASCAR’s most competitive seats. Truex has long served as a dependable backup and will now get the rare opportunity to race in the Cup Series spotlight.
The upcoming race in Mexico City will still be one for the history books, but it will be without one of NASCAR’s biggest stars. For Hamlin, however, the checkered flag this week is personal.
And for NASCAR fans? The return at Pocono just became even more highly anticipated.
