Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is facing the challenge of finding a new sponsor for its star driver, Denny Hamlin, and the #11 team. Since 2005, FedEx, the global delivery and logistics giant, has been a key sponsor, supporting Hamlin in every race. However, starting in 2021, FedEx reduced its sponsorship to only 10 races per season. Recent updates suggest this may signal the end of another long-standing driver-sponsor partnership in NASCAR, which has fans and industry experts concerned.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time JGR has found itself in this position. Kyle Busch, another JGR superstar, faced a similar dilemma when M&M’s parted ways with the team. Busch was forced to leave JGR and eventually landed at Richard Childress Racing (RCR), a move that many see as detrimental to his career. Now, with Hamlin and the #11 team facing a potential split from FedEx, the situation feels eerily familiar. Many are concerned that Hamlin’s final years in NASCAR could be significantly impacted if JGR fails to secure a new major sponsor.
Adam Stern from Sports Business Journal highlighted the issue on his X account (formerly Twitter), stating, “.@FedEx is expected to continue reducing its sponsorship presence with @JoeGibbsRacing after this season and could conclude the longtime deal altogether, per sources, a move that would end one of the more winning driver-sponsor combos in @NASCAR history.”
In the past, when FedEx reduced its involvement, Hamlin’s #11 Toyota Camry has carried sponsorships from Mavis Tires & Brakes, Sport Clips, Interstate Batteries, and Yahoo. However, losing FedEx, a premier partner, could deal a significant financial blow to both Hamlin and the team. At its peak, FedEx was reportedly paying JGR around $25 million per year in rights fees alone, underscoring the massive financial implications of their potential exit. Naturally, this has raised concerns among Hamlin’s supporters and JGR fans.
The news has sparked a wave of reactions from fans, many of whom are comparing this situation to Kyle Busch’s departure from JGR. Busch’s move to RCR in 2022 has not been smooth sailing. Since joining RCR, Busch has struggled with the Next-Gen car, and 2024 has been particularly challenging for him, marked by his failure to make the playoffs and the possibility of breaking his impressive 19-year win streak. As fans digest the news of FedEx potentially stepping away, one fan humorously remarked, “Welcome to Richard Childress Racing, Denny Hamlin,” hinting at a similar career trajectory for Hamlin if he, too, has to leave JGR.
Some fans are also questioning whether NASCAR’s current business model is contributing to these sponsorship challenges. The sport’s uncertain future, coupled with the upcoming charter deal, could make things even more complicated for Hamlin. One fan speculated that if Hamlin is forced to leave JGR after 2024, he could end up at 23XI Racing, or possibly even shift to full-time racing in the Xfinity or Truck series by 2026.
The sponsorship struggles are not unique to JGR. Hendrick Motorsports, another top-tier team, recently lost their longtime sponsor Hooters, which had been grappling with financial issues, leading to the closure of 40 restaurant locations. This indicates that NASCAR teams across the board are struggling to secure long-term partnerships. Another fan noted this parallel, saying, “For context, FedEx in the last couple days lost 11 billion dollars in market value; it’s not looking good for them.”
Even with Hamlin being one of NASCAR’s most recognizable drivers, JGR is struggling to keep its major sponsors onboard. This underscores how difficult it has become for teams to maintain financial stability in NASCAR today. Although Hamlin has often been a polarizing figure in the sport, even fans who don’t particularly like him have expressed sympathy. One fan commented, “I’m not a Denny fan, but I would hate to see this long-lasting business partnership come to an end. It’s not a good sign.”
Looking ahead, the big question is how JGR will respond if FedEx pulls out. Can the team find a new major sponsor to keep Hamlin and the #11 team competitive, or will Hamlin be forced to look for a new opportunity elsewhere? The next few months will likely determine the trajectory of Hamlin’s career and JGR’s future in NASCAR.
