Two years ago, Kyle Busch’s departure from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) sent shockwaves through NASCAR. After losing longtime sponsor M&M’s, JGR failed to secure a suitable replacement, leaving the two-time Cup champion with no choice but to walk away. Now, in a strikingly similar situation, Denny Hamlin finds himself facing an uncertain future with JGR due to sponsorship struggles.
Could history be repeating itself?
Hamlin Lands New Sponsor—But It’s Not Enough
With the 2025 NASCAR season just weeks away, JGR finally announced a new sponsor for Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry—National Debt Relief. The financial services company will sponsor Hamlin for four key races this season, including:
- Daytona 500
- Circuit of the Americas (COTA)
- Coca-Cola 600
- Talladega Superspeedway
While the deal offers a short-term fix, it does little to resolve the bigger issue—Hamlin still lacks a full-season primary sponsor. Unlike his JGR teammates, who enjoy long-term backing from major brands, Hamlin is scrambling to piece together sponsorship deals.
The news has sparked immediate concern among fans, many of whom see an eerie parallel between Hamlin’s predicament and Busch’s messy JGR exit.
Fans Fear JGR Is Repeating the Same Mistake
After the sponsorship announcement, NASCAR fans wasted no time pointing out the similarities to Busch’s 2023 departure.
“Isn’t that the same lack of sponsors that got Kyle Busch booted from his ride?” one fan asked.
Busch, who didn’t hold back his frustration after leaving JGR, made it clear that he felt Joe Gibbs Racing failed to fight for him.
“Did JGR try hard enough to sell me? My answer to that is no.” – Kyle Busch, The Athletic
With FedEx, Hamlin’s longtime primary sponsor, stepping away from full-time sponsorship, fans are beginning to question whether JGR is once again failing to “sell” one of its biggest stars.
Is JGR the Problem? Some Fans Think So
Several fans pointed out that other NASCAR teams have secured major sponsors, even as JGR struggles.
“Meanwhile, Trackhouse just signed Red Bull? Not sure what the deal is with JGR and Hamlin.”
Indeed, Trackhouse Racing recently landed Red Bull as a primary sponsor, marking the energy drink giant’s return to NASCAR after more than a decade. If a newer team like Trackhouse can land a high-profile, multi-year deal, why is one of the sport’s biggest stars still scrambling for sponsorship?
Some believe Hamlin’s outspoken nature is hurting him.
“Sponsors are bailing because of the negative light he’s bringing to NASCAR with the lawsuit.”
Hamlin’s ongoing legal battle against NASCAR—in which his 23XI Racing team is suing over alleged anti-trust violations—may be making potential sponsors hesitant to align with him.
Will JGR Let Another Superstar Walk Away?
The similarities between Busch’s and Hamlin’s situations are impossible to ignore. Both are multi-time Daytona 500 winners, both have over 50 career Cup Series victories, and both have been franchise drivers for JGR.
But with Hamlin’s future now clouded by sponsorship uncertainty, the question remains—will JGR fight to keep him, or will they let another superstar slip away due to financial issues?
If sponsorship woes continue, Denny Hamlin could be the next big name to walk away from Joe Gibbs Racing. And if that happens, it could mark the beginning of a major shift in NASCAR’s power structure.
