Joe Gibbs Racing confirms Denny Hamlin’s backup for NASCAR’s Mexico City race

As NASCAR heads to Mexico City for it's inaugural Cup race outside U.S., Denny Hamlin's weekend plans remain uncertain as he awaits the birth of his third child. With Hamlin's possible absence looming, Joe Gibbs Racing has confirmed that reserve driver Ryan Truex is on standby to pilot the No.11 Toyota Camry if needed.

Hamlin's race schedule has been up in the air for the past two weeks. His fiancée, Jordan Fish, was originally due to give birth on the same day as the Nashville race, but the baby has yet to arrive. She recently gave an update about holding off labour until Hamlin's bout at Michigan International Speedway, where he went on to grab his third win of the season. As the wait continues, the JGR driver remains on baby watch and may possibly forego his next race, despite the recent success on track.

Reflecting upon the same, SiriusXM's NASACR radio host Danielle Trotta gave an inside scoop on Hamlin's plans for the Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.

"Denny Hamlin just joined us On Track and said if Jordan doesn’t deliver their baby boy by the time he has to leave for Mexico City he’s not going. Said his priority is her and the delivery of their 3rd child. Drivers will leave Thursday so interesting to follow “baby watch” and what Dennys weekend may look like," she wrote via X.

Danielle Trotta

@DanielleTrotta

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Denny Hamlin just joined us On Track and said if Jordan doesn’t deliver their baby boy by the time he has to leave for Mexico City he’s not going. Said his priority is her and the delivery of their 3rd child. Drivers will leave Thursday so interesting to follow “baby watch” and what Dennys weekend may look like @SiriusXMNASCAR

Responding to the post, NASCAR reporter Joeseph Srigley gave an update from JGR, writing,

"@JoeGibbsRacing confirms that should this scenario play out, it would be Ryan Truex behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE in Mexico City."

Joseph Srigley

@joe_srigley

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@JoeGibbsRacing confirms that should this scenario play out, it would be Ryan Truex behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE in Mexico City.

Ryan Truex is the younger brother of 2017 Cup Series champion, Martin Truex Jr., and a former Truck Series full-timer. In 2024, he made 11 starts in the Xfinity Series with JGR, earning six top-10 finishes, three top-5s and two wins.

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Denny Hamlin reveals logistical issues holding him back from the Mexico City race

In a recent episode of his podcast Actions Detrimental, Denny Hamlin discussed the logistical issues preventing him from making the leap to Mexico City. As most drivers make the trip on Thursday, June 12, Hamlin explained that the longer travel times makes it tough to manage both the race and the imminent arrival of his baby.

"It’s one thing from when you’re in Michigan and you’re an hour-and-a-half flight away, there’s no customs and I fly right into the airport. It’s just not that in Mexico. I can’t leave until we have the baby. Guess we’re on track on Friday. I don’t know. I’ve gotta play this one by ear," he said.(45:25 onwards).

Denny Hamlin's recent win at Michigan placed him third on the Driver's standings with 494 points. If he misses out on the Mexico City race, the ace driver stands to lose ground in his fight with the championship leader, William Byron.