Denny Hamlin’s situation with Joe Gibbs Racing is completely different than Kyle Busch’s story when he went through contract negotiations with the organization last year. Busch’s sponsor, Mars, left NASCAR and provided the need for sponsorship.
On top of Busch’s contract demands, it was too much to overcome for Joe Gibbs Racing as he left the organization for Richard Childress Racing. In his place, the No. 18 car turned into the No. 54 car and Joe Gibbs’ grandson Ty Gibbs took over the entry.
Fast forward to Hamlin and his contract negotiations with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing might be even more complex. It is different for several reasons but will there be enough progress to give him another opportunity with the only organization he has ever driven for in the NASCAR Cup Series?
Related: Denny Hamlin rumored to drive one season with 23XI Racing before retirement
Latest on Denny Hamlin’s chances of driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024
Hamlin is not only a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, but also a co-owner of 23XI Racing with NBA legend Michael Jordan. The organization is backed by Toyota Racing which creates the very daunting task of negotiating two contracts. One as a driver and one as an owner.
The 42-year-old driver/owner previously said 23XI Racing’s contract negotiations with Toyota Racing will take some time as that is directly linked to his status as a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing due to their connection.
Denny Hamlin’s career stats (Cup Series): 49 wins, 213 top-5 finishes, 329 top-10 finishes
Hamlin is currently in his 18th full-time season with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series and he remains adamant that he wants to finish his driving career with the organization. However, the business side of NASCAR doesn’t always line up with the desires of the people involved.
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi hopped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to discuss Hamlin’s situation and gave an update on his status in the No. 11 car at Joe Gibbs Racing. 23XI Racing’s status with Toyota was not really much of a conversation.
“With (Denny Hamlin)’s situation with (23XI Racing) also being a Toyota team and everything, Denny is gonna return (to Joe Gibbs Racing) as well. Whether that’s a one year deal or multi-year deal, I don’t know, but Denny is gonna continue to drive the No. 11 car next year, at least that’s the expectation…The only question is whether it’s a one-year deal or multi-year deal.”
Jordan Bianchi on Denny Hamlin’s future at Joe Gibbs Racing
It should not be very surprising that Hamlin returning to Joe Gibbs Racing is the expectation. The driver of the No. 11 car is still in his driver’s prime while his co-owned race team is backed by Toyota Racing.
If Hamlin were to leave Joe Gibbs Racing for a different team, it could mean switching manufacturers if that organization is not 23XI Racing. Of course, the possibility of racing for his organization would always be on the table.
The major question surrounding Hamlin’s contract is whether it is a one-year deal or a multi-year deal as Bianchi said above. This could have some indication on his future at Joe Gibbs Racing as FedEx is also expected to return to the No. 11 car.
However, what if Hamlin’s negotiations with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing took an unexpected turn? Continue reading to find out three ideal candidates for the NASCAR organization’s No. 11 car beyond 2023!
Related: Denny Hamlin reveals an amazing NASCAR story involving Michael Jordan
3 ideal candidates to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing if Denny Hamlin shockingly leaves the team
The overall expectation should be that Hamlin is driving the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024 but nothing is ever certain in NASCAR. What if the Florida native does not return to the organization next year?
John Hunter Nemechek would likely be the top candidate and it would be hard to blame Joe Gibbs Racing if this is the move. Nemechek, 26, has three victories for the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program and is the points leader in 2023.
The 26-year-old dropped to the lower ranks of the NASCAR to revive his career and it has worked out tremendously well. Nemechek should be back in the Cup Series sooner rather than later and Joe Gibbs Racing would be the best-case scenario for him.
Sammy Smith should end up in Joe Gibbs Racing’s Cup Series program down the line and that could be as early as next year. Smith, 19, is considered the top NASCAR prospect at Toyota and has performed well in his first full-time Xfinity Series season.
The 19-year-old driver is a part of the organization’s youth movement and seems poised to have another breakthrough win sooner rather than later. Smith will be around for a long time and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that happen as Hamlin’s replacement.
Michael McDowell is an out-of-the-box idea that would give the No. 11 car a veteran driver in their driver’s prime. McDowell, 38, drives the No. 34 car for Front Row Motorsports and currently sits in the NASCAR playoffs with seven races left in the 2023 regular season.
The 38-year-old driver has been impressive and that is why Stewart-Haas Racing is interested in bringing him to the organization. Joe Gibbs Racing would likely have to fight for McDowell’s services but it would be worth it overall.
Hamlin should be the top candidate for the No. 11 car in 2024; however, things can change quickly in NASCAR and if he doesn’t return, all three drivers would be very solid options for the organization moving forward.