“Did JGR try hard enough to sell me? My answer to that is no.” Kyle Busch’s comments still haunt both Joe Gibbs Racing and Busch fans. Rowdy said this after leaving his long-time squad JGR because of sponsorship struggles. Now, a couple of years after the incident, Busch’s ex-teammate Denny Hamlin finds himself in a similar situation.

With more than 50 Cup Series victories, including three Daytona 500s, Hamlin remains one of the sport’s most successful active drivers. His consistency on the track has solidified his reputation as a top-tier competitor. However, the 2025 season comes with a shock for Hamlin and his team. The No. 11 Toyota Camry is struggling to find a season-long sponsor which left fans speculating about Hamlin’s NASCAR future.

Just weeks before the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing revealed a new sponsor for Denny Hamlin. The team announced that National Debt Relief will serve as the primary sponsor for Hamlin’s car in four races during the 2025 season. The company, which specializes in debt settlement, will feature on Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry at the Daytona 500, COTA, Coca-Cola 600, and Talladega Superspeedway.

While any sponsorship deal is a positive sign, this announcement also highlights a growing concern, i.e. Hamlin still lacks a full-time primary sponsor. Unlike some of his teammates, who have long-term, season-wide sponsorship deals, Hamlin’s car continues to rely on multiple short-term deals to fill the gaps. Additionally, NDR’s involvement marks their first time sponsoring a NASCAR team. It makes them an unusual choice compared to the major corporations that typically back elite drivers.

This development has left fans questioning why JGR is struggling to secure a long-term partner for one of the sport’s most accomplished veterans. Many NASCAR fans are comparing Hamlin’s situation to what happened with Kyle Busch. In 2023, the two-time Cup Series champion left JGR after his longtime sponsor, M&M’s, pulled out of NASCAR. Joe Gibbs’ team failed to find a suitable replacement, leading to Busch’s exit and his move to Richard Childress Racing. With JGR already losing one superstar because of sponsorship issues, could Hamlin be next? Fans certainly seem to think so.

NASCAR Fans Concerned Over Hamlin’s Sponsorship Woes

NASCAR fans are wasting no time in voicing their concerns about Denny Hamlin’s sponsorship situation. Many fans see this as history repeating itself. Kyle Busch’s departure from JGR was largely because of sponsorship struggles. If JGR couldn’t secure a full-season sponsor for Busch, why should things be different for Hamlin? Moreover, FedEx, a longtime partner, leaving their sponsorship duties hasn’t helped the situation. “Isn’t that the same lack of sponsors that got Kyle Busch booted from his ride?” a fan asked. Notably, Rowdy has been vocal about his departure from the JGR. He had alleged that Joe Gibbs’ squad didn’t sell him. “Did JGR try hard enough to sell me? My answer to that is no,” Kyle Busch told The Athletic. His comments are fresh in fans’ memory, and they are comparing it with Hamlin’s situation. The team’s recent decision to change Hamlin’s long-time crew chief to relatively in-experienced, Chris Gayle, had also surprised fans.

Meanwhile, some fans pointed out that there is no lack of sponsors in the market and the issue is with JGR. A user wrote, “Meanwhile, Trackhouse just signed Red Bull? Not sure what the deal is with JGR and Hamlin.” Notably, Trackhouse Racing recently signed Red Bull as the primary sponsor for two of their rookie cars. This also marked the energy drink giant’s NASCAR comeback after more than a decade.

However, some fans believe Hamlin’s outspoken personality is working against him. “Sponsors are bailing because of the negative light he’s bringing to NASCAR with the lawsuit,” a fan wrote. This comment reflects that Hamlin’s polarizing nature is what cost him in the twilight of his career. The ongoing legal battle between his 23XI Racing and NASCAR might be hindering his prospects. Notably, 23XI had sued NASCAR over anti-trust violations. While the legal battle continues behind the track sponsor might not be okay to join Hamlin’s NASCAR journey.

Notably, Hamlin’s deal with National Debt Relief gives him some sponsorship security, but it does little to address the larger issue. He still lacks a full-season primary sponsor, and that raises questions about his long-term future with JGR. If sponsorship struggles continue, Hamlin could find himself in a situation similar to Busch’s. Whether JGR will step up and fight to keep him or let sponsorship issues dictate his fate, remains to be seen.