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NASCAR Nepotism Storm Erupts as Ty Gibbs Secures $12.91 Billion Sponsor While Denny Hamlin Faces Misery

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 19, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0

April 22, 2022, Lincoln, AL, United States of America: Ty Gibbs takes to the track to qualify for the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln , AL. Lincoln United States of America - ZUMAa161 20220422_zaa_a161_012 Copyright: xWalterxG.xArcexSr.x

The NASCAR world is buzzing, and not for the right reasons. With the 2025 season just around the corner, Denny Hamlin finds himself in unfamiliar and precarious territory: without two of his primary sponsors. Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs, the rookie driver often accused of nepotism, has secured a lucrative new partnership with Saia, leaving fans questioning the dynamics at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).

Denny Hamlin’s sponsorship woes spark concern

For Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion and one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, the loss of FedEx—a partnership spanning two decades—and Mavis Tires is a significant blow. Though Sports Clips, Yahoo, and Coca-Cola remain onboard, the funding gap left by these departures has fans worried. The specter of Kyle Busch’s departure from JGR after M&M’s pulled its sponsorship looms large, stoking fears of history repeating itself.

Fans are drawing parallels to the tumultuous exit of Busch, who left JGR in 2022 amid similar sponsorship struggles. Could Hamlin, the face of the #11 car for so long, meet the same fate?

Ty Gibbs bags Saia sponsorship, fans erupt

Amidst Hamlin’s struggles, Ty Gibbs, the grandson of JGR founder Joe Gibbs, has secured a deal with Saia, a transportation company valued at $12.91 billion. A leaked LinkedIn post from a Saia executive unveiled the red-and-white Saia-branded #54 Toyota Camry, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding Gibbs’ meteoric rise.

The reaction from fans has been swift and polarizing. Critics accuse JGR of prioritizing nepotism over talent, arguing that a relatively inexperienced Gibbs is reaping rewards he hasn’t earned. “Imagine a three-time Daytona 500 winner can’t find sponsors, but Ty Gibbs—who hasn’t proven anything—gets a deal handed to him,” one fan vented online.

Paint scheme debates and deeper frustrations

While some fans appreciated the sleek simplicity of the red-and-white Saia paint scheme, others nitpicked details, such as the white drop shadow on the #54. One sarcastic comment even suggested that Saia’s sponsorship might “come in handy when Ty ships someone into the wall,” referencing Gibbs’ controversial on-track reputation.

Adding to the backlash, some fans shared negative experiences with Saia’s services, questioning the brand’s choice to back the young driver. “Horrific memories trying to track lost pallets with their support,” one fan wrote, highlighting how sponsor perceptions can affect driver reputations.

Is JGR playing favorites?

The timing of Gibbs’ new deal compared to Hamlin’s struggles has not gone unnoticed. Many fans feel the optics are bad, with JGR seemingly throwing its weight behind the young, well-connected driver while leaving Hamlin—a proven champion—in a sponsorship limbo.

Hamlin fans are understandably frustrated, with one commenter bluntly stating, “I don’t hate the car. I hate the driver.” The sentiment reflects a growing divide among the NASCAR faithful over how JGR handles its roster.

What’s next for Hamlin?

While Ty Gibbs seems to be cashing in on his connections, Hamlin’s future at JGR appears increasingly uncertain. Can the team secure a new primary sponsor for the veteran driver in time for the 2025 season, or will this mark the beginning of the end for Hamlin at JGR? With memories of Kyle Busch’s bitter departure still fresh, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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