Denny Hamlin's influence on NASCAR has been powerful as a driver and owner, with both sides facing serious question marks over the last year. Hamlin lost FedEx as a sponsor with Joe Gibbs Racing, while 23XI Racing continues its antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.

Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic writes that while Hamlin is in a contract year with Joe Gibbs Racing and is eligible for NASCAR free agency, there’s a ‘high probability’ that

Joe Gibbs Racing has announced that Denny Hamlin will miss the NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, following the birth of his son on Wednesday.