Denny Hamlin Parts Ways with Long-Term Partner After Phoenix Raceway

Denny Hamlin has announced the end of his longstanding partnership with FedEx following the Phoenix Raceway. The collaboration between Hamlin and FedEx was one of the last full-season sponsorship deals in the racing world. FedEx has been a steadfast sponsor for Hamlin since he ascended to the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing.

The partnership began in 2005 when Hamlin made his debut in the Nextel Cup Series, driving the No. 11 FedEx-sponsored Chevrolet. Over nearly two decades, FedEx’s recognizable orange and purple branding became synonymous with Hamlin’s car. Both entities leveraged the partnership not just for racing success but also for promoting philanthropic initiatives and FedEx’s owned brands like FedEx Express and FedEx Cares. This multifaceted collaboration played a crucial role in the high visibility and success of the partnership.

FedEx is pulling back from long-term sports sponsorships. The company began this shift in 2021, reducing its sponsorship presence on Hamlin’s car to around 10-12 races yearly. This decision aligns with FedEx’s overall refocus, which includes relinquishing naming rights to FedExField, previously home to the Washington Commanders and now renamed Northwest Stadium.

Hamlin commented on the separation, stating:

“Thank you, FedEx, for being there from the start.

“At all the wins and all the losses. Thank you, FedEx, for letting me be me, for always making a difference, for helping make this kid from Virginia’s dreams come true. Thank you, FedEx, for everything.”

FedEx also commented:

“What a ride it’s been! Denny and the entire Joe Gibbs team, it’s been an incredible 20 years of racing with the best. #TeamFedEx will always be cheering you on.”

Joe Gibbs Racing has already secured alternative sponsors such as Yahoo!, Coca-Cola, and Mavis Tires & Brakes.

Hamlin also co-owns 23XI Racing with NBA legend Michael Jordan. While he has confirmed a multi-year deal with Joe Gibbs Racing, speculations arise around Hamlin’s future, possibly including driving for his own team, considering Jordan’s substantial financial backing.

NASCAR Cup Series: 2024 Standings

1. Joey Logano – 5040
2. Ryan Blaney – 5035
3. William Byron – 5034
4. Tyler Reddick – 5031
5. Christopher Bell – 2412
6. Kyle Larson – 2378
7. Chase Elliott – 2342
8. Denny Hamlin – 2328
9. Alex Bowman – 2318
10. Martin Truex Jr – 2257
11. Austin Cindric – 2247
12. Daniel Suárez – 2226
13. Brad Keselowski – 2208
14. Chase Briscoe – 2184
15. Ty Gibbs – 2169
16. Harrison Burton – 2122
17. Chris Buescher – 930
18. Bubba Wallace – 878
19. Ross Chastain – 852
20. Kyle Busch – 766
21. Carson Hocevar – 686
22. Todd Gilliland – 630
23. Michael McDowell – 624
24. Noah Gragson – 612
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 590
26. Ryan Preece – 584
27. Josh Berry – 579
28. Erik Jones – 516
29. Daniel Hemric – 515
30. Zane Smith – 505
31. Justin Haley – 503
32. Austin Dillon – 493
33. Corey LaJoie – 489
34. John H. Nemechek – 447
35. Kaz Grala – 206
36. Cody Ware – 146
37. Jimmie Johnson – 60
38. Derek Kraus – 44
39. Joey Hand – 43
40. David Ragan – 17
41. Kamui Kobayashi – 8
42. Will Brown – 6
43. Juan Pablo Montoya – 5
44. Cam Waters – 2