Denny Hamlin sparks speculation with 'thank you' FedEx video
With a special thank you video for his longtime sponsor, Denny Hamlin and FedEx appear to be closing the book on their relationship. The veteran NASCAR driver has raced his entire Cup Series career with FedEx on board.
This is one of the last full-season sponsors to leave the sport. FedEx has been cutting back on sponsorship in recent years and now, it looks like they are done.
Denny Hamlin without FedEx. That is going to take getting used to.
Joe Gibbs Racing signed their first deal with FedEx in 2005. Denny Hamlin was brought up to the Cup Series in 2006 and ever since the two have been synonymous on the track.
From fan-favorite commercials to the familiar orange and purple colors – FedEx has left a mark on NASCAR. Much of that has to do with Hamlin.
There had been rumors about the sponsor stepping back even further than they have already. Hamlin has picked up sponsorship from Mavis Tires and still has sponsorship from Sport Clips and other associate partners.
However, it is clear that FedEx is completely stepping out of the sport. New leadership at the company is attempting to cut back on sports-related expenses. This has even impacted the naming rights to FedExField where the Washington Commanders play in the NFL. It is now Northwest Stadium.
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Denny Hamlin nearing end of his career
More than anything, this announcement and farewell reminds us that Denny Hamlin is nearing the end of his career. At 43 years old, he has fewer Cup Series seasons ahead of him than behind. But this is a major development.
Martin Truex Jr. will depart Joe Gibbs Racing after this season. He has one more race left in the No. 19 car. Hamlin is the next one up, if we’re talking strictly from an age point of view.
Of course, as long as Hamlin is winning races, he has three this season, he is going to compete. I don’t think Joe Gibbs is trying to push their Hall of Fame driver out any time soon. He is more than capable of winning and making deep playoff runs even at 43.
Denny Hamlin and FedEx are ending their partnership. It has been a wild ride spanning almost 20 years at the top level of stock car racing. Today they have one last ride.