The 2025 NASCAR season is fast approaching, and for Denny Hamlin, a major question mark still looms over his No. 11 Toyota. With FedEx officially stepping away as his primary sponsor, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is still searching for a new financial backer. Meanwhile, Hamlin’s hauler serves as a visual reminder of the uncertainty—stripped of its longtime branding and left with glaring empty space.
For years, FedEx was synonymous with Hamlin’s success, backing him through multiple victories and playoff runs. But now, with their departure, JGR is in a race against time to secure a top sponsor. While the team has managed to piece together some support from secondary sponsors, they have yet to lock in a major deal that would anchor the No. 11 program for the full season.
On Saturday, Hamlin addressed the situation, giving a candid update on where things stand. While he remains optimistic, he didn’t shy away from the reality—without a primary sponsor, things could get complicated. “We’re still working on it,” Hamlin said. “The good news is there’s interest, but nothing finalized yet. Obviously, we need to get it done soon.”
Hamlin’s future at JGR isn’t in immediate danger, but the longer this situation drags on, the more concerning it becomes. NASCAR operates on sponsorship dollars, and even a championship-caliber driver like Hamlin isn’t immune to the financial challenges that come with losing a major backer. If JGR fails to secure a top sponsor, could Hamlin be forced into a part-time schedule? Would JGR have to dip into its own resources to keep the No. 11 afloat? These are questions no one wants to answer, but they are becoming harder to ignore.
Hamlin remains one of the sport’s top drivers, and his name alone carries value. But in today’s sponsorship landscape, big-money deals are harder to secure. As JGR continues its search, the empty space on Hamlin’s hauler serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake. The clock is ticking. Will JGR land a sponsor in time, or will Hamlin’s future take an unexpected turn? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the No. 11 team.
