Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is facing a major change as they are set to lose one of their most iconic sponsors, FedEx, by the end of the 2024 NASCAR season. The logistics giant, which has been closely tied to the #11 team for nearly 20 years, is reportedly stepping away, and this decision has sparked a wave of reactions from fans across social media.
FedEx has been Denny Hamlin’s primary sponsor throughout his career in the Cup Series. Now, however, in an effort to cut costs, the Memphis-based company is pulling back on its involvement in the sport. The decline in NASCAR’s TV ratings and attendance over recent years has likely contributed to this decision, as FedEx has been reevaluating its sports marketing portfolio. This potential exit could signal the end of one of the most successful driver-sponsor partnerships in NASCAR history.
Hamlin and his #11 Joe Gibbs Racing team now face the challenge of securing a new sponsor, and fans are already speculating about what this means for Hamlin’s future in the sport. Many believe the loss of FedEx could have a significant impact on his standing within the Cup Series.
The news was first reported by Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, who shared the update in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
“@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.”
Fan reactions to the news have been mixed. Some are resigned to the idea that this was inevitable, while others are expressing deep disappointment. Here are a few notable fan responses:
“Hamlin goes to 3rd car on his own team. Inevitable,” one fan commented, reflecting a belief that this is just the next step for Hamlin’s career.
“Something is bad wrong at JGR,” said another fan, hinting at larger issues within Joe Gibbs Racing.
“Bad move, Dennis is just getting started,” remarked a disappointed fan, suggesting that Hamlin still has a lot left to achieve.
“This is unfortunate,” another fan simply noted, while others worried about how this change would affect Hamlin’s reputation and legacy.
“Hamlin would lose his aura unfortunately,” one fan commented, echoing concerns that without FedEx, Hamlin’s brand could take a hit. Another fan shared a more personal connection, stating, “Literally FedEx is what made me a NASCAR fan and Denny fan. One of the most iconic sponsors for the past 20 years—gotta prepare my last dance.”
The sponsorship news adds to the growing narrative surrounding Hamlin, who has faced a fair share of criticism from fans over the years, despite his impressive record. Having won races consistently in every NASCAR Cup Series season since his debut (excluding 2005 and 2018), Hamlin has built a remarkable career with 54 race victories. However, many NASCAR fans have been critical of him, and he hasn’t been shy about addressing his detractors.
After the recent race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Hamlin pushed back against his critics on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, co-hosted by analyst Jared Allen. In the podcast, Hamlin said:
“I mean, certainly there are groups of people or lots of fans that root for my failure, right? I know that. I did not, unfortunately, see them in my mentions this week. I was trying to figure out where all my trolls were this week, because I went back a little bit and maybe saw some people that I could have trolled from what you said last week. But I’m going to be the bigger man here and not say anything, nor give you the attention that you’re so desperately wanting.”
Despite the off-track drama, Hamlin continues to perform well this season. He currently ranks sixth in the driver standings with three wins, 10 Top 5 finishes, and 13 Top 10 finishes. With the season moving toward its final stages, Hamlin remains a strong contender for a spot in the Championship 4.
As the 2024 season progresses, the future of both Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing will be worth watching. Losing FedEx as a sponsor would be a significant change for both the team and the driver, but Hamlin’s resilience on the track proves that he’s still very much in the race for more success. Fans, however, are left wondering what the future holds for this iconic NASCAR duo.
