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Denny Hamlin Faces Uncertain Future as FedEx and Mavis Tires Depart Ahead of 2025 Season – A ‘BRUTAL’ stepback for the rider with many millions at stake

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Denny Hamlin Faces Uncertain Future as FedEx and Mavis Tires Depart Ahead of 2025 Season – A ‘BRUTAL’ stepback for the rider with many millions at stake

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, the spotlight on Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) veteran Denny Hamlin has intensified—but not in the way fans might hope. With 54 career victories and 19 seasons under his belt, the three-time Daytona 500 champion is unquestionably one of NASCAR’s greats. However, a series of sponsor departures is raising questions about his future.


“FedEx Era Ends After Nearly Two Decades”

For nearly 20 years, the iconic FedEx paint scheme on Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota became synonymous with success. Since debuting as Hamlin’s primary sponsor in 2005, FedEx has been instrumental in shaping his career. Together, they celebrated 47 of his 54 victories, including his rookie-season win at the 2006 Busch Light Clash.

However, the relationship began to show cracks in recent years. In 2021, FedEx scaled back its sponsorship, and by the 2024 season, it was sponsoring only 14 races. Ahead of the season finale at Phoenix Raceway last year, Hamlin posted a heartfelt “Thank You” message to FedEx on social media—signaling the end of an era. For fans, the departure was not just a financial blow but an emotional one, severing a bond that had become integral to Hamlin’s legacy.


“Mavis Tires Follows Suit”

Adding to the turbulence, Mavis Tires, another key sponsor that stepped in as FedEx scaled back, has also exited. Rumors swirled for months, but confirmation came with photos leaked from the Toyota gate at Daytona International Speedway. The images showed Hamlin’s No. 11 car adorned in a Sports Clips paint scheme, with no sign of FedEx or Mavis branding. The absence of Mavis Tires, coupled with FedEx’s exit, leaves Hamlin in uncharted territory as he enters his 20th season.


“Sports Clips Takes the Wheel”

Sports Clips, a longtime associate of Joe Gibbs Racing since 2009, has stepped up as Hamlin’s primary sponsor. The Georgetown, Texas-based haircutting franchise has backed some of NASCAR’s biggest names, including Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr., and supported Hamlin intermittently in recent years. Now, it will carry the mantle at the Daytona 500, as Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota will sport a red, white, and black Sports Clips livery.


“Fan Reaction: A Divided Crowd”

While some fans applauded Sports Clips for keeping Hamlin’s career afloat, others were less enthusiastic. Critics argue that Sports Clips lacks the prestige and visibility of FedEx, which had become a hallmark of Hamlin’s brand. One disgruntled fan commented, “It’s hard to imagine Hamlin’s car without FedEx. Sports Clips doesn’t have the same gravitas.”

Others questioned whether the sponsor departures signal a deeper issue. “Is this the beginning of the end for Hamlin?” asked another fan. “It feels like his support is crumbling, and it’s hard to see him thriving without the backing of major sponsors.”


“Can Hamlin Still Deliver?”

Despite these challenges, Denny Hamlin remains one of the most skilled drivers on the grid. His ability to adapt and win with new sponsors and team dynamics will be closely scrutinized in 2025. Hamlin has faced adversity before, but the departure of FedEx and Mavis Tires leaves a void that even his immense talent may struggle to fill.

Joe Gibbs Racing and Hamlin must now rally behind Sports Clips and other secondary sponsors to keep the No. 11 competitive. However, with sponsorships dwindling and younger talents like Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell stepping into the spotlight, Hamlin faces mounting pressure to prove he’s still a top contender.


“The Legacy Question”

The departure of FedEx casts a shadow over Hamlin’s legacy. Without a sponsor as iconic as FedEx, Hamlin’s final chapter in NASCAR could lack the grandeur of his earlier years. Whether he can cement his place among the sport’s all-time greats now hinges on his performance in what may be one of the most pivotal seasons of his career.

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