FedEx and Denny Hamlin have been inseparable in NASCAR for nearly two decades, a partnership that’s seen both triumphs and challenges. Since 2005, Hamlin has raced under FedEx’s signature colors, bringing the brand into the spotlight with every lap and every victory. Fans instantly recognize that the purple, orange, and white scheme is similar to Hamlin’s, and each race brings anticipation of what No. 11 might achieve next.

But recently, Hamlin’s Instagram has hinted at something changing, and fans are starting to speculate. Though FedEx reduced its race appearances from nearly every event to just 13 this season, the bond with Hamlin has remained strong. Now, with Hamlin’s Instagram post sparking conversation, the future of that famous No. 11 FedEx car feels uncertain.

End of an era for Denny Hamlin

FedEx and Joe Gibbs Racing are ending a nearly two-decade NASCAR partnership. Denny Hamlin recently posted a heartfelt farewell video on Instagram, marking the end of an era for his iconic No. 11 FedEx-sponsored Toyota Camry. FedEx confirmed it won’t be returning to JGR for the 2025 NASCAR season.

Denny Hamlin and FedEx have been a staple in NASCAR since he entered the Cup Series in 2005. Together, they built one of the longest-running sponsor-driver relationships in the sport, with FedEx’s bold purple, orange, and white paint schemes adorning Hamlin’s car across 54 Cup Series wins and countless thrilling moments on the track.

FedEx’s gradual pullback began in 2021, reducing its race presence from nearly the entire season to just 13 races in 2024. This year, as FedEx stepped back further, Hamlin picked up new sponsors like Mavis Tire, SportClips, Interstate Batteries, and Yahoo! to round out his sponsorship commitments. Like many companies in recent years, it seems FedEx is scaling back its NASCAR investment amid a shift in corporate sponsorship priorities.

This departure mirrors a similar situation with Mars, Incorporated, which left JGR and NASCAR at the end of 2022 after sponsoring Kyle Busch’s No. 18 car for years. When Mars left, it created a void that ultimately led to Busch’s own departure from the team—a development that left fans wondering about the impact of these major sponsor exits on JGR’s future.

What did Hamlin say about FedEx leaving when the rumors initially came out?

Trending

Ex-SHR Employee Spills Harsh Truth About Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Ownership After Rare Appearance in Phoenix

Wife Leah Pruett Lets Slip Major NHRA Hurdle for Tony Stewart to Witness Their Baby’s Arrival

Billionaire Michael Jordan Could Be Forced to Face Substantial Personal Loss in Bid to Topple NASCAR, Warns Insider

Joey Logano Reveals How He Deliberately Underperformed Playing the Game Designed by NASCAR

Richard ‘The King’ Petty Offers Bold Solution to NASCAR Amid Racing Community’s Raging Playoffs Disdain

When rumors swirl about the future of Denny Hamlin’s partnership with FedEx, the NASCAR star isn’t shying away from addressing the possibility that his nearly 20-year sponsorship with Joe Gibbs Racing could be coming to an end. For Hamlin, FedEx has been more than just a logo on his car.

They were the ones who took a chance on him when he was still a young driver in the Xfinity Series, betting on his potential before his name became synonymous with NASCAR victories. “It made my career,” Hamlin said, reflecting on the partnership and acknowledging that FedEx has been instrumental in both his on-track success and his off-track initiatives.

While he remains committed to performing at his best, Hamlin admits this season has tested his mental stamina. He’s quick to highlight the strength and versatility of his car but points to bad luck with late-race cautions as a thorn in his side, holding him back from wins he feels were within reach.

Recently, he shared his frustration with constantly having to battle back from deep in the field despite having one of the fastest cars on track. In his words, “I’m not in it mentally,” acknowledging the strain that comes with uncertainty on all fronts. Yet, Hamlin stays focused, vowing to do his part and keep pushing forward as the speculation around FedEx’s departure continues.