Denny Hamlin Shocks NASCAR Fans with Mexico City Race Absence for Family Milestone
Mexico City, Mexico, June 16, 2025 – NASCAR is abuzz with breaking news as Denny Hamlin, a veteran Joe Gibbs Racing driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, has announced he will miss this weekend’s historic Mexico City race, leaving fans and competitors stunned. The 44-year-old, a consistent Cup Series contender currently third in points, cited the birth of his son with fiancée Jordan Fish as the reason, marking his first absence since 2014. This unexpected decision, confirmed just hours ago, disrupts his championship pursuit and highlights a rare clash between personal priorities and professional duty, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Hamlin’s announcement comes as NASCAR prepares for its first international points-paying race since 1958, a milestone event aimed at globalizing the sport. Sitting behind William Byron and Kyle Larson in the standings, Hamlin’s withdrawal raises questions about playoff implications, though NASCAR has granted him a waiver to retain his 18 playoff points, including three wins tying Christopher Bell. His social media post—“We are happy to announce the birth of our son… My main priority is to be here for Jordan and our family”—underscores a deliberate choice to embrace fatherhood to a family of five, a move that has earned respect but sparked debate. Fans on X are split, with some praising his family-first stance—“Class act by Denny!”—while others question missing a global showcase.
Stepping in is Ryan Truex, Hamlin’s replacement in the No. 11 Toyota, marking his first Cup start since 2014. The 33-year-old, brother of 2005 Mexico City winner Martin Truex Jr., brings 26 career starts but faces immense pressure on this high-altitude track at 7,500 feet—double Las Vegas’s elevation. Truex, recently a reserve driver, prepared during Coca-Cola 600 practice, adding intrigue to his comeback narrative. Meanwhile, logistical chaos has compounded the weekend’s challenges, with engine issues delaying charters for five teams, including Shane van Gisbergen’s aborted takeoff, forcing NASCAR to reschedule Friday’s practice to Saturday.
The altitude poses a unique test, with Toyota’s training program—featuring oxygen-masking and hypoxic tents—aiming to counter effects like fatigue. Tyler Reddick, who adjusted with a tent, humorously noted his wife’s displeasure during her late pregnancy, which ended with their second child’s birth on May 25. Hamlin’s absence, while covered by policy, shifts momentum to rivals like Byron and Larson, who could gain ground in playoff positioning. As co-owner with Michael Jordan, Hamlin’s decision also impacts 23XI Racing’s strategy, adding complexity to an already historic race weekend.
This moment reflects Hamlin’s career-long balance of racing success and personal life, but his absence from NASCAR’s global push leaves a void. Will Truex seize the opportunity, or will logistical and altitude hurdles derail Joe Gibbs Racing? As Mexico City revs up, fans worldwide are captivated by this blend of family drama and racing intrigue, wondering how Hamlin’s choice will shape the 2025 championship narrative.
