Denny Hamlin’s situation just got more complicated. Despite having competed in the NASCAR Cup Series for two decades, Hamlin has never won the championship, even though he has come close multiple times. This year, his chances of making it into the top 12 seemed uncertain before the Bristol race, but his 4th place finish there secured his spot. Now, with his position safe, there’s a new concern on the horizon.
For nearly 19 years, FedEx has been a major sponsor of Hamlin’s No. 11 car, contributing around $25 million annually to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). The iconic purple, orange, and white paint job, along with the prominent FedEx branding, have become synonymous with Hamlin. However, recent news suggests that FedEx might be ending this long-term sponsorship. The news initially surfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter, but was further detailed in a video by NASCAR personality Kenny Wallace.
Kenny Wallace’s Take on Hamlin’s Sponsorship Loss
It all started when sports journalist Adam Stern posted on X, 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.”
Seeing this, Kenny Wallace decided to weigh in on the situation with a video discussing the potential fallout for JGR and Hamlin. Although neither JGR nor FedEx have released an official statement, Wallace gave his perspective on what this means for the team. In his video, Wallace suggested that FedEx might be leaving Hamlin and JGR entirely.
Wallace pointed out that this isn’t exactly a sudden development, as FedEx has been gradually reducing its involvement over the years. He noted, “FedEx has been cutting back since, well, for a long time. If you notice, FedEx has not been on Denny Hamlin’s car all the time.” According to Wallace, FedEx might be trimming its budget due to broader business challenges, even though their stocks are performing well.
Wallace was quick to clear JGR of any blame, emphasizing that this sponsorship loss likely isn’t due to any failure on the team’s part. “I think FedEx just got business issues, and that is not Joe Gibbs’ fault,” he explained. Wallace described the FedEx-JGR relationship as one of the most successful partnerships in NASCAR history, adding that even if JGR were to win every race, it wouldn’t necessarily prevent sponsors from leaving due to financial reasons.
He compared the situation to M&M’s departure from JGR, suggesting that some sponsors simply want to shift their focus elsewhere. Wallace believes that while JGR remains one of the most well-sponsored teams in the sport, they could now face challenges with other big-name sponsors as well.
Hamlin’s Performance and Pressure
As for Hamlin, his season has been a mixed bag. While he started the year strong and secured three wins, one of those victories was nullified due to a Toyota Racing Development error. Recently, the No. 11 car hasn’t performed as well as it did earlier in the season. With Hamlin now under pressure to maintain his playoff position, some are speculating whether his recent performance might be contributing to the potential loss of FedEx as a sponsor.
Is Hamlin to Blame for FedEx’s Departure?
According to Kenny Wallace, it’s unlikely that Hamlin or JGR are directly responsible for FedEx’s decision to reduce or end the sponsorship. However, without official confirmation from either party, it’s hard to rule out any possibility. Hamlin’s performance, especially in the races leading up to Bristol, hasn’t been stellar, but his recent top-12 finish suggests he’s still in the running for the championship.
Given that Hamlin has secured his place in the playoffs, it might seem logical for FedEx to continue their sponsorship, especially after nearly two decades of partnership. Yet, the company’s reduced presence on the No. 11 car throughout the season indicates that a complete split may be imminent. Regardless of the outcome, JGR will likely need to secure a full-time sponsor for Hamlin moving forward if FedEx does pull out.
What Lies Ahead for Hamlin and FedEx?
For now, Hamlin’s playoff position offers some reassurance to his fans, but as with any competitive season, things can change quickly. One bad race could jeopardize his standings. As for FedEx, whether they will remain onboard through 2025 is still uncertain. With all the uncertainty, NASCAR fans are left wondering if this marks the end of one of the sport’s most iconic driver-sponsor relationships.
Will FedEx continue its support of Hamlin, or is this truly the end of their partnership? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Kenny Wallace Reveals ‘Business Issues’ Behind Losing $25 Million Deal With Denny Hamlin’s 19-Year Partner
