Just when it looked like Denny Hamlin would need a waiver to keep his playoff hopes intact, NASCAR threw a curveball that changed everything—but a bit too late.
NASCAR was forced to revise the weekend schedule for the Mexico City race after two chartered planes carrying Cup and Xfinity team members were grounded in Charlotte due to mechanical issues. The unexpected travel delays meant key crew members and equipment couldn’t arrive in time for Friday’s original practice sessions. As a result, NASCAR reshuffled the entire weekend schedule, pushing Cup Series practice later into Friday and canceling Xfinity’s Friday activities altogether, instead consolidating them into a jam-packed Saturday.
The twist? With the updated timeline, Hamlin—who is sitting out the race for the birth of his son—technically could have made it to Mexico in time for the race. But by then, Ryan Truex was already locked in to drive the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
It’s a classic case of timing. Denny made the call to stay home for a once-in-a-lifetime family moment, which NASCAR rightfully respects under its medical exemption policy. He won’t need a special waiver to stay playoff-eligible. But with the schedule shift, some fans are wondering: did Hamlin step out too soon?
The answer is simple—probably not. Even if he could’ve made it, family comes first. And while the “what-ifs” are inevitable in NASCAR, the bigger story here is NASCAR’s ability to adapt quickly under logistical pressure. The revised schedule kept the weekend alive, avoided cancellations, and gave teams much-needed time to adjust.
For fans, it’s another reminder of how unpredictable the sport can be—on and off the track. From engine swaps to sudden weather delays to now aircraft problems, NASCAR never stops throwing punches. But for Hamlin, missing one race for his newborn son won’t derail his championship run. He remains firmly in the hunt.
In the end, the weekend goes on, Denny gets a pass, and NASCAR Mexico rolls forward—with or without him.
Denny Didn’t Need a Waiver After All: NASCAR Shifts Mexico Schedule Due to Aircraft Issues
