Credit score: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos
Denny Hamlin is close to the entrance of the NASCAR beginning grid for Nashville, however he may not race on Sunday as his first son is because of be born. Along with his household poised to develop even bigger, there’s much more incentive for the 44-year-old to signal a brand new Cup Collection contract.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic writes that whereas Hamlin is in a contract yr with Joe Gibbs Racing and is eligible for NASCAR free company, there’s a ‘excessive likelihood’ that he re-signs to drive the No. 11 automobile for the 2026 season.
“Engaged on it. Ought to be one thing accomplished considerably quickly.”
Denny Hamlin on contract talks with Joe Gibbs Racing
Associated: Denny Hamlin credit Kyle Busch for big improvement in his profession
Denny Hamlin stats 2025 (NASCAR.com): 390 factors, 2 wins, 6 high 10s, 5 high 5s, 2 DNFs, 371 laps led, 12.357 common beginning place, 15.231 common ending place in 13 races
Hamlin, who will flip 45 years outdated forward of the 2026 season, has spent his whole Cup Collection profession with Joe Gibbs Racing. Whereas the No. 11 automobile misplaced its long-time partnership with FedEx after final season, the void was stuffed by a one-year take care of Progress Insurance coverage.
Quite a lot of the highest upcoming free brokers within the NASCAR Cup Collection have already signed new offers. Hendrick Motorsports signed William Byron to a contract extension and Richard Childress Racing confirmed Kyle Busch will likely be driving the No. 8 automobile subsequent season.
Associated: NASCAR free brokers after this season, together with Denny Hamlin
It leaves the largest groups – Joe Gibbs Racing, Workforce Penske, Hendrick Motorsports and 23XI Racing – with none full-time openings for subsequent season. As for a few of the high NASCAR prospects, Connor Zilisch could spend one other yr within the Xfinity Collection, whereas Corey Heim’s timeline to develop into a full-time Cup Collection driver appears additional away.
With Hamlin all however confirmed to drive the No. 11 automobile for JGR subsequent season, he’ll have a terrific probability to attain his long-standing objective of turning into one of many 10 winningest drivers in Cup Collection historical past. Heading into the Cracker Barrel 400, Hamlin is 4 wins shy of tying Kevin Harvick for tenth all-time.
Associated: NASCAR standings, see the place Denny Hamlin sit within the factors race
