It looks like Denny Hamlin’s difficult position just got worse. Hamlin has been racing in the Cup Series for 2 decades, but despite being extremely close many times, he has never claimed the title. This year, before the Bristol race, his entry into the top 12 seemed iffy, but coming 4th in the last race put him in the safe zone. Now that he is safe, you must be wondering what makes his situation worse.

By now, many know that FedEx is one of the biggest sponsors for the No. 11 car. The entire vehicle is decked out in purple, orange, and white, with the doors and hood having the brand’s logo on them, and JGR gets close to $25 million from them annually. It was back in 2005 when the company decided to sponsor Denny Hamlin, and after 19 years of working together, there is news about them parting ways. Although the news surfaced on X first, it was Kenny Wallace who made a detailed video about it, and here is what he had to say…

Kenny Wallace discusses Denny Hamlin’s sponsorship loss

Everything started when Adam Stern took to X to share the news about Hamlin’s sponsorship. Stern put up a post saying, “@FedEx is expected to continue reducing its sponsorship presence with @JoeGibbsRacing after this season and could conclude the longtime deal altogether, per sources, a move that would end one of the more winning driver-sponsor combos in @NASCAR history.”

To brush up your memory, Hamlin’s relationship with the sponsor began in 2005 when he was a rookie driver, running seven races. Reports mention FedEx paid around $25 million to JGR “just in rights fees”. However, in 2021, it began cutting back with FedEx’s presence being limited to 10 seasons so far this season.

JGR and the sponsor has also been a part of several philanthropic gestures together, such as the Safe Kids Worldwide, “a nonprofit working to protect kids on the road, at home and at play”. In 2017, the brand had also vowed to donate $111 for each lap Hamlin leads and $11,000 for each race victory. They had further pledged an additional $111,000 to the organization if the veteran won the Cup Series Championship that year.

In fact, after Hamlin won the 2022 Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway, he talked about the endearing relationship he shares with his longtime sponsor. “I mean, they’ve been with me my entire career, which is so rare. You know, my cars are mostly recognized all week. I mean, it’s such a normalcy in our sport now that nine or ten cars can look totally different. You never have what your car is,” Hamlin said talking about his staple purple-orange-white paint scheme.

Hence, the news of them parting ways is definitely surprising and heartbreaking. Kenny Wallace also appeared shocked as he decided to put out a video discussing what this means for the team and why such a statement was made, although Joe Gibbs Racing or FedEx have yet to respond to the rumor officially. The veteran explained how this is not sudden news as “FedEx has been cutting back since, well, for a long time. FedEx has been… you know, if you notice, FedEx has not been on Denny Hamlin’s car all the time.” After pointing out what he noticed with the brand, Wallace spoke about why this could have happened. Wallace predicted that the company had to reduce their budget by around a billion dollars, although their stocks have been doing well in the market.

Clearing out Joe Gibbs Racing‘s name from being called the team that lost a sponsor, Wallace said, “I think FedEx just got business issues, and that is not Joe Gibbs’ fault.” According to Wallace, “This is one of the best sponsor relationships ever in NASCAR history,” but he also said that even if JGR won every race, the sponsors would still have to leave.

The veteran also cited another longtime JGR sponsor M&M’s who decided to end their sponsorship for Kyle Busch after the 2022 season—since being a primary sponsor in 2008. JGR president Dave Alpern had revealed in a conversation with Forbes at the time:  Mars “wants to try some new things — and no matter how big a brand is, they have a finite budget, so when you want to try something new, it has to come from somewhere else.” Notably, M&Ms had been a NASCAR sponsor since 1990 with Snickers, backing Bobby Hillin Jr’s No. 8 car. They started sponsoring Kyle Busch in 2008.

However, the veteran also reiterated multiple times that the team is “not going to fail” because of this loss in sponsorship. Denny Hamlin on the other hand, started the season strong and managed to win three races this season. With Denny Hamlin under pressure to keep his spot in the playoffs, could his performance be the reason for losing out on the sponsorship deal?

Is Denny Hamlin the reason why FedEx is leaving?

Trending

Kevin Harvick Boldly Forecasts a Major Blow to Rick Hendrick & Co.’s Championship Hopes in Kansas

Jeff Gordon Puts Kyle Larson as Top Contender for Motorhome Life, Despite $5.5 Million Worth Asset

“Won’t Be Watching Anymore”- Displeased Fans Take Issue With NASCAR After Shocking Reversal on Kyle Busch’s All-Star Antagonist

NASCAR Fans Insinuate MTJ Insider’s Sacking After Rumored Fallout With Joe Gibbs & Co in Bristol

According to Kenny Wallace, it’s not the fault of anyone from JGR as to why FedEx is leaving. However, until the specifics are let out, it’s only fair to consider every possible reason. Sure, Denny Hamlin has not performed well in the last few races before Bristol, but with him in the safe zone of the top 12, the tides are turning. Hamlin still has a shot at the championship, and for that, he needs to make sure to avoid wrecks on the tracks, which have been the reason for his unsatisfactory finishes.

With Hamlin in the safe zone of the playoffs, it only makes sense to continue the sponsorship that has lasted almost 2 decades. As of now, there is no confirmation that FedEx will break the partnership; however, their reduced involvement with the No. 11 team has been noticed. Well, whatever the reason, the No. 11 team needs to find a full-time sponsor to keep their boat afloat.

So far, Hamlin’s place in the playoffs is comforting for fans, but that can change with a single race. With things looking like they are not going according to Hamlin, do you think that they will be able to retain FedEx as a sponsor for 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below.