Denny Hamlin Sits Out Mexico City NASCAR Race; Ryan Truex Steps In at JGR

Denny Hamlin will not compete in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, making headlines just days after capturing his third win of the season at Michigan. Hamlin decided to skip the historic first Cup race in Mexico to be with his long-time partner, Jordan Fish, following the birth of their son.

The couple already has two daughters, and Hamlin expressed in his official statement that being home for his family is his top priority as they adjust to life as a family of five.

This marks a rare absence for Hamlin, who has not missed a Cup race in over 400 consecutive starts. The last time he was forced to sit out was in March 2014 at Fontana Speedway due to a sinus infection that affected his vision.

Hamlin’s consistent presence on the track and his strong 2025 season make his decision to step away especially significant for both his team and fans.

Taking Hamlin’s place behind the wheel of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will be Ryan Truex. Truex is the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion.

Ryan Truex has made 26 Cup Series starts in his career, with his most recent appearance coming in 2014, almost 11 years ago. Since then, he has raced part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JGR, earning three wins since 2023.

NASCAR has introduced a stricter playoff waiver policy for 2025 that removes all playoff points for drivers needing a waiver due to non-medical reasons. However, Hamlin’s absence is classified under a valid medical exception, since it is for the birth of a child.

This means there is no penalty and Hamlin remains eligible for the playoffs. Joe Gibbs Racing has confirmed that they will request a waiver for him.

The Mexico City event is historic as it marks the Cup Series’ first-ever trip to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The race has drawn attention from across the motorsports world, featuring unique participants and special race commemorations.

Hamlin’s decision to stay home for family reasons is being met with understanding from both the NASCAR community and his fans.

For Ryan Truex, this is a major opportunity. After nearly 11 years away from the Cup Series, he is set to race for Joe Gibbs Racing, a team with a strong track record in both the Cup and Xfinity series.

His recent Xfinity success with three victories shows he remains competitive and ready for the challenge.

The team, fans, and NASCAR leadership are all backing both Hamlin’s choice and Truex’s return to the series. The Mexico City race will go on with new storylines and notable firsts, while Denny Hamlin focuses on his growing family at home.

For more insights on notable drivers’ seasons, see the latest NASCAR news coverage. Additionally, recent major incidents in motorsports highlight the intense competition across series, such as the Verstappen-Russell incident.