Earlier in the week, Denny Hamlin, currently on baby watch, announced that if fiancée Jordan Fish had not given birth by the time he was scheduled to leave for Mexico City, he would not make the trip.
On Thursday, Hamlin’s team Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Hamlin would not be making the trip and running in the race. On standby for the past three weeks in case he was needed, Ryan Truex will take over the driving duties of the number eleven car this weekend.
No longer on baby watch, Fish gave birth, but Hamlin is staying home with his two daughters, Fish, and new baby boy.
In a statement Hamlin said, “we are happy to announce the birth of our son. Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.”
This will be the first time Hamlin has missed a race in over 10 years.
After missing the race, Hamlin and JGR will be petitioning NASCAR officials for a waiver in order to be eligible to compete in the playoffs. Hamlin is a three time winner so far in the 2025 racing season. His 18 playoff points are also on the line.
After some controversy over the issuing of waivers last season, NASCAR changed the rules for earning a waiver; the birth of a child as one of the reasons a driver may earn a waiver.