As the NASCAR season unfolds, one of the biggest storylines surrounding Denny Hamlin isn’t just his performance on track—it’s the noticeable lack of a primary sponsor for his No. 11 car. With FedEx stepping away from full-time sponsorship, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is still searching for a major partner to fill the void.
The situation was evident in the garage this weekend, where Hamlin’s hauler featured a lot of empty white space, a stark contrast to previous years when FedEx’s branding dominated. While JGR has managed to secure some race-to-race sponsorships, a long-term deal remains elusive.
Hamlin Speaks on the Sponsorship Search
When asked about the ongoing search for a primary sponsor on Saturday, Hamlin acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.
“We’re working on it,” Hamlin said. “Obviously, sponsorship in this sport is a big deal, and finding the right partner takes time. We’ve got some great companies that have come on board for certain races, but we’re still looking for that long-term deal.”
JGR has a history of securing top-tier sponsors, but with rising costs in NASCAR and shifting marketing strategies, landing a company willing to commit to a full-season deal has become increasingly difficult.
What’s Next for the No. 11 Team?
Despite the uncertainty, Hamlin and JGR continue to push forward, with expectations that a full-time sponsor will be secured at some point in the season. In the meantime, the No. 11 car will likely feature a mix of different brands race to race—or, in some cases, run with a blank hood and sides as seen at various points this season.
For now, Hamlin remains focused on competing for wins, knowing that success on the track could help attract the right partner. But as NASCAR’s sponsorship landscape evolves, the once-automatic process of securing a big-name backer is proving to be more of a long game for both drivers and teams.
