Denny Hamlin’s two-decade run with Joe Gibbs Racing may be reaching its final chapter.
With FedEx pulling out after 19 years as his primary sponsor, contract uncertainty, and a looming legal battle against NASCAR, the 44-year-old’s future in the Cup Series is anything but secure.
And if Kyle Busch’s messy JGR exit in 2022 is anything to go by, Hamlin could soon find himself in a similar situation.
FedEx’s Departure: A Devastating Blow to Hamlin’s Stability
For nearly 20 years, Denny Hamlin and FedEx were one of NASCAR’s most recognizable partnerships.
But now, with the logistics giant leaving the sport, Hamlin finds himself without a primary sponsor for the first time in his career.
“Sponsorship’s hard to come by,” Hamlin admitted. “Everyone’s had to adjust quite a bit. It’s such an important time in our sport to recognize that sponsorship dollars are not flowing like they used to.”
And while he’s right, the timing couldn’t be worse for him.
At 44 years old, Hamlin is nearing the twilight of his Cup Series career. That makes securing a long-term sponsor difficult, especially when JGR might prefer to invest in a younger driver.
Hamlin’s Legal Battle Against NASCAR Could Complicate Things Further
Off the track, Hamlin’s involvement in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR—as part of his 23XI Racing co-ownership with Michael Jordan—has raised red flags for potential sponsors.
Many corporate backers are hesitant to align with a driver engaged in a lawsuit against the very organization that runs the sport.
With his sponsorship future uncertain, could JGR decide to move on from Hamlin rather than fighting to keep him?
Déjà Vu? Hamlin’s Situation Mirrors Kyle Busch’s Ugly Exit From JGR
If this sounds eerily familiar, it’s because we’ve seen this movie before.
🔹 In 2022, Kyle Busch lost his longtime sponsor, M&M’s.
🔹 JGR couldn’t secure a new backer willing to match his salary.
🔹 Busch was ultimately let go and forced to join Richard Childress Racing.
At the time, Busch believed JGR didn’t do enough to keep him, saying:
“Did JGR try hard enough to sell me? My answer to that is no.”
Now, Hamlin is walking the same tightrope.
Will JGR stand by him and find funding, or will they cut ties and opt for a younger driver?
Could This Be Hamlin’s Last Season at JGR?
With only one year left on his contract, Hamlin’s future is in serious question.
If JGR decides to move on, where could he go?
✅ A full-time move to 23XI Racing? As co-owner, he could drive his own team’s car, but is that the direction 23XI wants to take?
✅ Retirement? If a competitive ride isn’t available, could Hamlin walk away without a Cup championship—a fate many compare to Carl Edwards?
✅ Another team? If he still wants to race, would another top-tier team be willing to sign a 45-year-old driver with sponsorship concerns?
One thing’s clear: Denny Hamlin’s future at JGR is hanging in the balance.
And just like Kyle Busch, he may soon find out that loyalty in NASCAR only lasts as long as the money does.
