via Getty
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 01: NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin speaks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center on September 01, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
via Getty
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 01: NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin speaks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center on September 01, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
For the longest time, Denny Hamlin has been running a single major sponsor on his car. That being the FedEx sponsorship. However, while things have worked out great for him, things haven’t been quite the same for his former teammate Kyle Busch. Recently, during an interview, Hamlin justified the reason to run a single major sponsor for most of the races.
Denny Hamlin was speaking about the rarity of having one sponsor and team in the sport of NASCAR. He mentions that when he joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006; he was stepping into someone else’s seat. There was a relationship already established between Joe Gibbs and Fred Smith, who was the CMO of FedEx at the time. The partnership between Joe Gibbs Racing and FedEx has proven to be extremely valuable for both parties. The CMO of FedEx even stated that “this activation is worth a billion dollars.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: Latest NASCAR TV Ratings Adds Weight to Kyle Busch’s Criticism of the Clash at the Coliseum
Hamlin mentions that the sport of NASCAR offers a unique opportunity to touch many lives and meet different customers and VIPs each weekend. He notes that it is rare to have the opportunity to meet an athlete just before they compete in their sport. Hamlin believes that the sport of NASCAR offers a lot of value to companies like FedEx.
Kyle Busch did not get the same privilege as Denny Hamlin
Trending
NASCAR Rumor: Next-Gen Control Arm Manufacturer Potentially Quitting NASCAR Amid Roush Manufacturing’s Take Over
Sheldon Creed Breaks Silence on Choosing Gene Haas’ Plan Over Joe Gibbs’ NASCAR Legacy
Fans Left Divided Over Dale Jr’s Stepmom Teresa’s Contribution to DEI’s NASCAR Downfall
“Won’t Be Watching Anymore”- Displeased Fans Take Issue With NASCAR After Shocking Reversal on Kyle Busch’s All-Star Antagonist
Disgruntled Richard Childress Disappointed by NASCAR Handing ‘Over a Million Dollar’ Pain
On the other hand, Hamlin’s former teammate, Kyle Busch, did not enjoy the same privileges. Busch ran the M&M’s sponsored car for the longest time. At one point, he was easily recognizable by the fans who affectionately called him “candyman.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Kyle Busch, the driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, climbs into his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
However, things took a bitter turn for Busch during the 2022 season. His main sponsor, M&Ms, had announced their intention to quit the sport altogether. This sent Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing into a frenzy to find a new sponsor for the next season. Despite going through a long and arduous time to find such a sponsor, Busch had to eventually exit Joe Gibbs Racing on a bitter note.
WATCH THIS STORY: NASCAR TV Ratings are in and the Clash is Most Viewed Since 2016
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, the same structure of running a single major sponsor has worked for Hamlin pretty well. But what if a similar situation to Busch were to occur with Hamlin’s main sponsor? At this point, one could just call it luck. The teams and the drivers are literally being left at the mercy of the sponsors. But as long as the relationship works well, things look good for the future.
