It was reported after the NASCAR season concluded in November that Denny Hamlin and FedEx’s contracts with Joe Gibbs Racing expire at the conclusion of the 2023 season which is very significant.
The organization went through a situation with Kyle Busch in 2022 after Mars left the sport, leading to his departure to the No. 8 car and Richard Childress Racing. Coincidentally, Tyler Reddick, former driver of the vehicle, joined Hamlin’s race team after Kurt Busch stepped away.
Now, Hamlin will be the one who needs to figure out his future plans after the 2023 season. Let’s find out the latest updates on the driver of the No. 11 car’s status with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Related: Denny Hamlin wins first Coca-Cola 600 in double OT thriller
Denny Hamlin ‘optimistic’ on his future with Joe Gibbs Racing, thoughts on retirement
Hamlin has been with Joe Gibbs Racing his entire career in the NASCAR Cup Series and if a deal is not struck or he retires, that will not be the case when the 2024 season begins at Daytona International Speedway.
However, it is likely that Hamlin comes back and almost a certainty if FedEx decides it wants to continue its involvement in the sport moving forward. That is why Busch left the organization as Mars decided it was done.
The 42-year-old discussed his thoughts on the future and possible retirement when the NASCAR world came together for the sport’s Champion’s Week in Nashville.
“Certainly, I’ve always wanted to finish my career at (Joe Gibbs Racing) and I’m optimistic that will be the case….Well, there’ll be a time where my attention will be more needed as a team owner than a driver, but it’s going to be on my terms and when I want it to happen and when I think it needs to happen. But I don’t think it … I don’t foresee ownership expediting my retirement. I think that my retirement will be a totally independent decision, regardless of where we’re at with the race team.”
Denny Hamlin on his future and possible retirement
This is consistent with Hamlin’s comments in the past as he has stated his desire to finish out his career with Joe Gibbs Racing and FedEx. But, if the sponsor decides to leave the sport, things could change in a hurry.
There is always the possibility of moving to 23XI Racing if circumstances change in the next few months; however, it is clear that Hamlin is set on the goal he stated above for the time being.
Related: Martin Truex Jr. gives update on retirement decision ahead of the 2023 season
Latest updates on Denny Hamlin’s status with Joe Gibbs Racing
A more recent update about Hamlin’s future with Joe Gibbs Racing came out on Tuesday afternoon. According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Hamlin said he is confident about a possible extension with the organization.
The driver of the No. 11 car also stated that it could take a few months for a possible deal to be completed as he is a team owner for a Toyota team, 23XI Racing, that has an alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing.
As for any problems that may arise during negotiations, Hamlin told Pockrass that he believes there will be any problems getting a deal done, unlike Busch during the 2022 season. It is understandable based on the information above why that is the case.
As of now, it should be expected to see the three-time Daytona 500 winner back in the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing after the 2023 season. If Hamlin wins the championship, maybe that is a different story.
The storyline of Hamlin’s return to the organization in 2024 will remain a major one unless a deal is struck in the next few months.