NASCAR
Ryan Truex to Substitute Drive Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Announced Thursday, Denny Hamlin is going to willingly sit out of this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. This decision follows the birth of his son on Wednesday, June 11. Joe Gibbs Racing has since tapped designated reserve driver, Ryan Truex, to take over the No. 11 Yahoo Toyota Camry XSE in Hamlin’s absence.
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son,” Hamlin said. “Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five. I appreciate everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, our partners, and our fans for the support over the last few weeks and I look forward to being back at the track next weekend in Pocono.”
JGR says they are in full support of Hamlin and his family-based decision. The team does plan to apply for a Playoff eligibility waiver. This should ensure that Hamlin will remain a championship contender for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. Through the first 15 races of 2025, Hamlin ranks third in overall point standings with three victories. This includes last Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway.
Truex, 33, has been a JGR reserve driver for the last several seasons. In limited Xfinity Series starts with the Toyota team, the younger Truex brother has picked up three victories. Truex’s most recent Xfinity Series win was at Daytona in August. Sunday will mark Truex’s first Cup start since 2014, maiden Sunday showing with JGR, and his first race of any kind since the Xfinity Series opener at Daytona in February. Coincidentally, 2014 was also the last time Hamlin missed a Cup start. He did not compete at Auto Club that season with an illness.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Joe Gibbs Racing
