With the playoffs afoot, the disoriented puzzle of the Cup Series is finally falling back into its designated places. There were numerous uncertainties that hovered above the NASCAR till Daytona. While a few inquiries got clarity, others were left to the discretion of NASCAR’s audience. However, the one knot that was resolved was Denny Hamlin’s future with Joe Gibbs Racing, with the #11 driver celebrated in a rather odd way, taking a dig at his former teammate.
The silly season of NASCAR always creates a sense of whirlwind among the teams as well as their drivers. While many landed an extension, others became a part of the free market agent and hoped to earn a new seat for the next season. The same fate loomed over the JGR driver. However, the stars were aligned for him. And, the contract extension was just the tip of the iceberg as another surprise awaited the NASCAR fans.
Denny Hamlin takes a sly dig at his former JGR teammate
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With the teams gearing up to re-sign and extend their contracts with their drivers, a dark cloud of uncertainty loomed over 3x Daytona winner Denny Hamlin. The No.11 Toyota driver was yet to reach a conclusion with his team, given his status as a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team. It was also speculated that Hamlin would face the same fate as his former teammate, Kyle Busch, who failed to secure a sponsorship deal and had to leave the team.
Although the TRD President along with the team boss of Joe Gibbs Racing has assured that Hamlin would be returning to the team for another season, it was certain nuances had to taken into consideration before entering the final deal. Having said that, it is evident that the air within the JGR stable has been cleared, as Joe Gibbs himself appeared in the episode of Actions Detrimental ushering in the most awaited news.
But with all the good news came an announcement that sent shockwaves among the fans, and set the NASCAR world abuzz with controversies. Hamlin made sure that he delivered both the news on his podcast. Apart from inkling a multi-year contract with his team for 17 years, Hamlin also disclosed that he might put an end to his Xfinity ritual, sending a sly dig at Kyle Busch’s ambitions.
Speaking to his co-host, Jared Allen, Hamlin expressed, “I don’t know whether I will do it again. I feel like this is a good call, that may be my curtain call for Xfinity, not like Kyle Busch, ‘Once I win a 100 I will stop’. No, I am just happy. There is no benefit to running Xfinity to help Cup. They do not relate one bit.”
“It is a completely different car drive, the tires are dramatically different, and the shifting is different. There is nothing that I can really draw from it that helps. Other than its sports cups and they are the title races and we have had a long relationship. That’s great. I would love to end on a note of chequered flag.”
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Joe Gibbs expresses his emotions after re-signing Denny Hamlin
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Nevertheless, with all said and done, JGR and Denny Hamlin’s fans can finally take a breath of respite, as they will be able to witness donning the name of his only team on his suit.
Speaking on the extension of his contract, an elated Hamlin expressed, “Joe Gibbs Racing has been my home for almost 20 years now. My relationship with Joe (Gibbs), my team, and everyone at JGR means a lot to me. We have accomplished so much together over the years. I’m excited to finally announce this so we can put all our focus on chasing the championship.”
Appearing on the show, Gibbs himself divulged, “It is amazing to think it has been almost 20 years since J.D. (Gibbs) first saw him race and we signed him to that first contract. He has been a big part of Joe Gibbs Racing ever since then, and we look forward to that continuing for years to come.”
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With the stage being set for the JGR team for the upcoming season, it will be a spectacle to witness how the drivers help seize victories and perhaps another championship for the team.