JGR locks in Denny Hamlin, FedEx with multiyear contract extensions

Denny Hamlin isn’t going anywhere. At least, not in the near future. Joe Gibbs Racing announced Monday that the NASCAR team is extending its relationship with its three-time Daytona 500-winning driver and longtime primary sponsor, FedEx, for the No. 11 Toyota.

The team labeled the deal as a pair of “multi-year agreements,” but exact terms were not disclosed. Hamlin’s contract was reportedly up at the end of this year.

According to Sports Business Journal, FedEx will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 11 for a majority of races, but there will be a few primary spots open for other partners. FedEx has served as Hamlin’s primary sponsor on the No. 11 for more than 15 years, and together the team amassed 13 wins over the past two seasons in the Cup Series. Hamlin, 40, has 44 Cup wins in his career and is seeking his third consecutive Daytona 500 win this month.

“The relationship between FedEx and our organization has been a tremendous success story in so many ways and we’re excited that FedEx will continue to support Denny and our No. 11 team,” JGR owner Joe Gibbs said in a statement. “Denny continues to perform at the top of our sport and our goal is to continue to position him and FedEx to win a championship.”

Hamlin has driven the No. 11 for Gibbs in Cup events since 2005. He made his third Championship 4 appearance last season, which was also his second attempt for the title in the last two years, but is still trying for a Cup championship with crew chief Chris Gabehart.

The announcement of Hamlin’s extension as a driver for Gibbs comes as he ventures into team ownership. Hamlin partnered with NBA icon Michael Jordan to launch a new Cup team, 23XI Racing, at the end of last season and is preparing to field a car driven by Bubba Wallace for the full 2021 season. Sponsorship for the teams remains separate, but both are backed by Toyota.