Following his third victory of the season at Michigan, Denny Hamlin has opted to skip the inaugural Cup race in Mexico to be with his partner Jordan Fish and their newborn son, after already having two daughters together.
Hamlin released a statement expressing his joy at the new addition to their family and emphasized his commitment to being present for his loved ones during this transition period.
Despite having an impeccable attendance record of over 400 races, Hamlin’s absence will be filled by Ryan Truex at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, marking a significant return to Cup racing after an almost 11-year hiatus.
Fortunately, Hamlin’s decision to prioritize family over racing does not jeopardize his playoff standing as NASCAR allows waivers for missing races due to significant life events, such as the birth of a child, ensuring he retains his playoff points.
Joe Gibbs Racing has confirmed their intention to seek a playoff waiver for Hamlin’s absence, underscoring the importance of family values in the high-stakes world of professional racing.
