Denny Hamlin recently reflected on the enormous influence his long-standing sponsor, FedEx, has had on his NASCAR career amid news of the company downsizing its support for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Since 2005, FedEx has been a major backer of both Hamlin and JGR, but recent reports indicate that the Memphis-based logistics giant is scaling back its operations, which may include terminating its partnership with JGR altogether as part of a larger $4 billion cost-cutting initiative.
FedEx first became involved with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2005 when Hamlin was making a name for himself in the Xfinity Series. The following year, Hamlin earned a full-time Cup Series ride, with FedEx signing on as his primary sponsor. Over the course of nearly two decades, the partnership has flourished, with Hamlin winning 54 Cup Series races and three Daytona 500s, all with the backing of FedEx.
However, in recent years, FedEx has been gradually reducing its financial commitment to JGR and Hamlin. The impact of this shift was felt most acutely after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, as companies in the shipping and logistics industries, including FedEx, faced significant cost increases and disruptions. As a result, FedEx began scaling back its sponsorship, going from sponsoring all 38 races on Hamlin’s schedule to just 10 races this season, including the upcoming Round of 12 opener at Kansas Speedway.
In an interview with Frontstretch, Hamlin spoke about the crucial role FedEx has played in his career. “It’s been a fantastic partnership for nearly 20 years,” Hamlin said. “They took a risk on me when I was running mid-pack in the Xfinity Series, and that risk paid off. I’ve been able to accomplish a lot because of their support.” He went on to emphasize the stability FedEx has provided throughout his career, noting that having a consistent sponsor for so many years made his journey in NASCAR much smoother.
Despite the financial cuts, Hamlin expressed optimism about continuing to represent FedEx both on and off the track, even though the company’s future with JGR remains uncertain. While JGR has been exploring alternative sponsors, the organization has not yet commented on whether FedEx will remain involved beyond this season.
The ongoing changes with FedEx reflect broader challenges in the shipping and logistics industry, which has faced rising costs and delays in the aftermath of the pandemic. Other major companies, like UPS and DHL, have also been forced to reevaluate their expenditures. For FedEx, this has meant cutting its sponsorship commitments, not just in NASCAR, but also in other areas like its long-term deal with the NFL’s Washington Commanders, which it ended during the most recent offseason.
As Hamlin prepares to race at Kansas with FedEx on board, it’s clear that their partnership, while diminished, remains significant. But for how much longer? With JGR actively seeking new sponsors and FedEx scaling back, the future of this iconic NASCAR sponsorship is hanging in the balance.
JGR’s $65B sponsor set to terminate their deal
