Denny Hamlin, who has already secured two Cup wins this season, is set to compete in his 700th Career Cup race this Sunday. However, his anticipated arrival as a father may cause him to step away from the truck temporarily. Hamlin and his longtime partner Jordan Fish, who already have two daughters, are expecting their first son on June 1st—the same day as the Cup race in Nashville.
If Hamlin needs to leave the race, Ryan Truex, the younger brother of 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., will step in as the substitute driver for the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Truex has participated in 26 Cup Series races, most recently competing part-time with JGR in the NASCAR Xfinity series, where he claimed three wins starting in 2023.
Hamlin will start the 400-mile race from the outside position of the front row, alongside teammate Chase Briscoe who earned pole position. If Truex takes over mid-race, Hamlin will receive credit for the final finish; however, missing the start would push the car to the back of the field and Truex would get credit for the start. NASCAR’s updated 2025 playoff waiver policy removes points for non-health related absences, but it makes exceptions for births as a valid medical reason, so Hamlin can fully miss the race without penalty if necessary.
Fan Take: This news is significant for NASCAR fans as it highlights the human side of racing, showing that even top drivers must balance professional ambitions with personal milestones. Hamlin’s potential absence and Truex’s possible role underscore the unpredictable nature of the sport and the depth of talent ready to step up when needed.
