The NASCAR 2024 season seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. While Joey Logano and Team Penske enjoyed a dominant year, securing another championship, Denny Hamlin and the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team had a more mixed experience. Although Hamlin had a solid season, he fell short once again, failing to reach the Championship 4 for the third consecutive year. Despite a few triumphs, the season wasn’t a complete success for him.
Hamlin’s journey in 2024 had its highs and lows. He started strong with early wins at short oval tracks like Bristol and Richmond. He also claimed victory at Dover, locking himself into the playoffs. However, his momentum stalled after the midpoint of the season due to several challenges, including an engine penalty, legal issues, and a drop in performance on the track. Despite these setbacks, Hamlin created lasting memories throughout the year, which he recently shared in an emotional video with his fans.
The video showcased the best moments of his 2024 season, featuring victory celebrations with the #11 team, fan interactions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hamlin enjoying life outside racing, including casino fun and family time. A major highlight was Tyler Reddick and the #45 team winning the regular season championship, a moment that stirred emotions among Hamlin’s loyal supporters. To add a lighthearted touch, Hamlin posted a caption inviting fans to submit ideas for his 2025 catchphrase. His past catchphrase, “I beat your favorite driver,” had stirred controversy among rival fans, and now, it seemed he was looking for something new to carry him through the next season.
Fans responded enthusiastically with suggestions like “STI11 IN IT,” “It’s Denny time BABY!!!,” and “I beat the system.” However, the emotional video didn’t just move fans—it also caught the attention of Coca-Cola, Hamlin’s major sponsor. The global beverage giant replied with the heartfelt comment, “Who’s cutting onions?” reflecting the emotional impact of the video.
Speaking of sponsors, Hamlin and JGR face uncertainty, as long-time sponsor FedEx is set to depart. This leaves the #11 team with the task of finding a new sponsor to ensure Hamlin’s continued presence in the car. The situation is reminiscent of Kyle Busch’s departure from JGR after M&M’s left NASCAR, making it a delicate situation for Hamlin. Furthermore, the #11 team is undergoing a significant overhaul with a change in leadership. Chris Gabehart, who had been Hamlin’s crew chief for several successful seasons, has been promoted to competition director, and Chris Gayle has been brought in as the new crew chief.
Gabehart and Hamlin formed one of the most successful pairings in recent NASCAR history, with 22 race wins and three Championship 4 appearances. However, since 2021, the #11 team hasn’t quite made it to the final hurdle. This change in crew chief could signal a shift in strategy, with JGR hoping that Gayle, who has won two Cup Series races and led Ty Gibbs to a 2022 Xfinity Series championship, can help Hamlin finally capture his first NASCAR Cup Series title. The hope is that Gayle’s experience and proven track record can provide the spark the team needs in 2025.
