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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Office Toyota, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Office Toyota, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin has been a huge part of NASCAR. He has been in the sport for over 18 years now. Apart from his racing career, he is also well-known around the circuit due to his ownership, alongside Michael Jordan, of the newly formed 23XI Racing team.
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The legacy of Denny Hamlin’s career is unquestionable. Hamlin has been consistent in churning out wins every season during his career. He is also one of the very few one-team drivers in NASCAR. Hamlin took the #11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing in Kansas in 2005, and since then has been with JGR.
That equates to a mindblowing 18 seasons with the team. During that time, he has amassed 48 wins for the team in the Cup Series. Moreover, in his 18 seasons, he has only had 1 winless season, i.e. 2018 (excluding the 2005 season as he only started 7 races).
Unfortunately, however, it has been reported by Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal that Hamlin’s contract with JGR runs only until the end of 2023. His primary sponsor, FedEx, who has also been with Hamlin for the 18 years he has been at JGR, also ends after 2023.
The news has brought people to doubt if Hamlin will remain in the outfit, especially given he is 41 years old. Furthermore, JGR recently also bid their adieu to another long-term driver, Kyle Busch, who had been there for 15 years.
JGR was heavily criticized for their move to not renew Busch’s contract. It is highly likely Hamlin might be the next victim in their overhaul.
Will Denny Hamlin suffer the Busch treatment?
With a stay beyond 2023 looking unlikely for Denny Hamlin, the obvious question fans are raising is where will Hamlin head to? His ownership of the 23XI Racing team provides the biggest hint.
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BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 17: Denny Hamlin (#11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Ground Toyota) looks on during pre-race activities before the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Bass Pro Shops Night Race on September 17, 2022, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
With how things panned out for Busch, fans know what to expect –
Man oh man, us Kyle Busch fans know how this ends. Better buy your 23XI merch now before 2024 gets here.
— Camden Stewart (@Camden_Stewart) November 16, 2022
It would be hilarious if all the Hamlin fans that are acting like he’s suddenly Toyota’s best driver after they lost Kyle Busch and downplay Busch’s achievements to perpetuate that got to see their driver get the same treatment https://t.co/t8KTbj3wA6
— Alfa (@AlfaM_37) November 17, 2022
Man after this season with Kyle this is gonna be something to watch next year. Aleast Denny has a team he can fall back on https://t.co/sfishaBEHP
— Dylan (@thedyllin) November 17, 2022
First M&M’s now FedEx JGR is in bad shape
— Carlo B (@tazyc1) November 17, 2022
Not this again… https://t.co/Od7t6gcJkg
— Couch Spotter (@couchspotter) November 17, 2022
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I’ve seen this scenario before https://t.co/goWMCDD0Ig
— CurlyCurless (@ColinCurless) November 16, 2022
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Hamlin has been the epitome of consistently good performances, It will truly be a disappointment to see him leave the team he has been part of for the best part of 18 years. Do you think JGR will make that move?
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