For the longest time, FedEx was one sponsor synonymous with Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Camry. And, the partnership has lasted for more than 20 years, the longest-tenured partnership in NASCAR, so far. However, FedEx started to cut back in 2021. From 32-36 races a year, the sponsorship was cut down to 30. Then, later in 2023, it came done to 12. So, clearly, there was some financial crunch. 

Now, as the partnership between Hamlin and FedEx has come to an end, the Joe Gibbs driver was seen with a new paint scheme at the Bowman Gray Stadium for the Clash. But guess what? He has started his season on a high. 

Hamlin won the heat race on Saturday night and earned a spot in the Cook Out Clash. On Sunday as well, he had a great run, leading 28 laps, and ultimately finishing in P3 behind Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney. Even his newly appointed crew chief, Chris Gayle said, “But it’s a good first attempt.”

However, Denny Hamlin in his media interaction sounded quite concerned as he raised poignant issues about the sponsorship ecosystem. He said, “I mean, sponsorship’s hard to come by and certainly, it’s such an important time in our sport to recognize that sponsorship dollars are not flowing like they used to, for sure. Everyone’s had to adjust quite a bit and obviously, there are certain aspects that JGR has to price into their pricing that’s probably tough. It’s part of it.”

And, we know how Kenny Wallace has been quite vocal about Hamlin deserving the money that he has been claiming. Speaking of the same on the Kenny Wallace Show, Wallace added, “As much criticism as people want to throw at Denny Hamlin, he’s a difference-maker. He did all that talking, and then he went out there, led the race, and finished third. He’s a gamer. He deserves that big money.” 

While Wallace pointed out how sponsorship is important for Denny Hamlin, he did mean he is doing what a driver is meant to do, and the rest is somewhat the team’s responsibility. And, he clearly, pointed it out to Coach Gibbs & Co.

Additionally, having a sponsor like FedEx who has been for such a long time, makes drivers somewhat comfortable with their long-term stability. However, the move has raised concerns. Denny Hamlin also added, “But, certainly having one sponsor for 20 years made things pretty easy and now it’s all kind of catching up. Is it concerning from my end? Maybe a little bit. But it’s probably more concerning from JGR’s standpoint.”

And, about the No. 11 sponsors, it will be sponsored by the National Debt Relief for a total of four races. This includes the Daytona 500, Circuit of the Americas, Coca-Cola 600, and the Talladega Superspeedway drive.  

Is Denny Hamlin’s current status a Deja Vu of Busch?

Remember the time when Kyle Busch walked out of the Joe Gibbs Racing team and it was all because of a sponsor issue? Well, the similarities between Busch’s and Hamlin’s stories are almost impossible to miss. After M&M’s exit, Rowdy was left in a precarious position. He had to ultimately shift to Richard Childress Racing team who had an option available for him. 

However, the spat that followed between the team and Busch wasn’t very cordial. Speaking of how the team did not try hard enough to retain him, Busch said, “Did JGR try hard enough to sell me? My answer to that is no.”

Even NASCAR journalist, Bob Pockrass put forth the position of the two drivers. He said, “ I think Denny rides the wave a little bit better than Kyle Busch does. The good thing about Denny having all these other things going on.” He added, “He can have the distraction from if he struggles a little bit week to week that maybe it doesn’t, gnaw at him as much.”

If history is any indication, Denny Hamlin’s fate at Joe Gibbs Racing could mirror Busch’s abrupt departure, especially if sponsorship uncertainties persist. However, with 23XI Racing as his safety net, Hamlin might have an exit strategy that Rowdy never did.