The curtain has finally fallen on Denny Hamlin and FedEx’s long-standing partnership, wrapping up one of the most enduring alliances in recent NASCAR history. Hamlin’s association with the logistics behemoth dates back to his 2005 NASCAR debut under the Joe Gibbs Racing banner. Their camaraderie set a record for the sport’s longest-tenured sponsorship deal until 2024.
Despite the dissolution of this partnership, the bond between Hamlin and FedEx remains unbroken. The logistics firm recently presented Hamlin, the driver of the No. 11 Toyota, with a heartfelt farewell note and memento ahead of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) race.
Hamlin’s name has been virtually synonymous with FedEx for nearly two decades. The company’s emblem has been a prominent feature on his car’s livery and his racing suit. However, a paradigm shift occurred in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, compelling FedEx to reassess its NASCAR investment and gradually reduce its engagement in the sport. The company, valued at a staggering $62.27 billion, downsized its sponsorship from over 30 races per annum to a mere 13 in 2024, culminating in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. This highlighted a strategic shift in their endorsement approach.
Ahead of the third race of the season at COTA, FedEx penned a touching tribute to Hamlin, shared via an Instagram story on February 28. The note read, “#11 Team. Together, we crafted something special; something to be extremely proud of. Now wrapped in different colors but still the same storied program – one of the best of all time. Wishing you the best this season and beyond! Always cheering you on, your FedEx family.” In addition to the heartfelt message, Hamlin also received a plane bearing the FedEx logo and a commemorative plaque featuring various FedEx liveried cars he had driven over the years.
Before the season finale in 2024, Hamlin reciprocated the sentiment by posting a video tribute to FedEx on social media, captioned, “Thank you, FedEx.” The video showcased some of the most memorable moments of Hamlin’s career, underlining FedEx’s unwavering support throughout his racing journey. The company responded with a warm message, celebrating their 20-year partnership with Hamlin and the Joe Gibbs team.
However, the exit of such a significant sponsor poses a formidable challenge for Joe Gibbs Racing. National Debt Relief has been roped in as Hamlin’s primary sponsor for four races in 2025, including the Daytona 500, COTA, Coca-Cola 600, and Talladega Superspeedway. Nonetheless, the absence of FedEx has left a gaping hole in terms of brand visibility and financial backing, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the upcoming season.
In recent years, Joe Gibbs Racing has suffered the loss of two major sponsors—M&M and FedEx. This has not only stirred up rumors about Hamlin’s possible departure but also significantly affected the team’s performance. While National Debt Relief has stepped in as a temporary sponsor, King’s Hawaiian has committed to four races in 2025.
Hamlin, discussing the current sponsorship landscape, told Frontstretch, “Yeah, I mean, there’s a lot of good talks going on, a lot of good meetings and what not as regards to the #11 car and obviously when you have someone that’s part of the sport for 20 years like FedEx was then it’s certainly makes things a lot easier. But this is a different time, and certainly we feel confident that we’ll get through these things throughout the year.”
Hamlin admitted that sponsorships are now harder to secure and funding is not as abundant as it once was. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s sponsorship of Trackhouse Racing highlights the puzzling nature of Joe Gibbs Racing’s sponsorship woes. Could the anti-trust lawsuit be a factor? Will Hamlin part ways with JGR if the sponsorship challenges persist for 23XI Racing? Only time will reveal the answers. One thing is certain, though: FedEx’s departure has significantly altered the landscape for Hamlin, and its long-term implications on his Cup Series future remain to be seen.
