June 12, 2025 – Mexico City, Mexico — In a heartwarming twist to the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend, Denny Hamlin will not be competing in the Viva Mexico 250 as he stays home to celebrate the birth of his third child. In his place, Ryan Truex will step behind the wheel of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, marking a high-profile opportunity for the younger Truex brother.
Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and co-owner of 23XI Racing, was originally slated to race in NASCAR’s return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. However, with his family growing once again, he made the decision to remain stateside and be present for the birth — a choice widely respected by the racing community.
“We’re thrilled to share that Denny and his family welcomed their third child, and both mom and baby are doing great,” said Joe Gibbs Racing in a statement. “Family comes first, and we fully support Denny’s decision to be there during such an important moment.”
Ryan Truex, younger brother of former Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., has been a steady presence in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and a trusted fill-in driver across various teams. His call-up to JGR for this international race marks a significant opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage.
“I’m incredibly honored to step in for Denny this weekend,” Truex said. “It’s a big moment for his family, and I’m here to make sure the No. 11 team stays competitive while he takes care of what matters most.”
The Mexico City race is a key stop in NASCAR’s ongoing international expansion, with a challenging course layout and a vibrant fanbase eager to see top-level American stock car racing return to their country. With Denny Hamlin out, the spotlight now turns to Truex, who will be looking to deliver a solid performance and keep the No. 11 in strong position for the owner’s championship points.
This marks yet another example of the family-first culture that continues to grow within NASCAR’s tight-knit paddock. While fans will surely miss seeing Hamlin on track, many have already taken to social media to congratulate him and his partner on the newest addition to their family.
As the engines get ready to roar in Mexico City, Ryan Truex will take on one of the biggest challenges of his career — while Denny Hamlin celebrates one of the biggest joys of his life.
Congratulations to the Hamlin family!
