NASCAR Cup Series: Why Denny Hamlin isn't racing in Mexico City this weekend

NASCAR fans tuning into this weekend's Cup Series race at Mexico City will notice one big name is missing from the action - Denny Hamlin.

Hamlin may have etched his name further into the NASCAR history books last Sunday with his win at Michigan International Speedway, becoming only the 10th driver to win a Cup Series race after making 700-plus starts, but he has not even traveled to this weekend's event.

READ MORE: NASCAR Results Today: Shane van Gisbergen stars in Mexico City as Kyle Busch suffers major playoff blow

Why is Denny Hamlin not racing in Mexico City?

The Joe Gibbs Racing star has good reason for deciding to stay at home, however, with his fiancée Jordan Fish having given birth to a baby son in recent days.

Hamlin had been on baby watch since the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte last month, with his fiancée due to give birth at any moment. However, he managed to compete at Nashville and Michigan before the time came.

Throughout the process, Hamlin made it clear that his priority was being there for his family, and ahead of this weekend's action in Mexico, the Joe Gibbs Racing star issued the following message.

"We are happy to announce the birth of our son," Hamlin wrote in a short statement. "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."

See you guys in Pocono pic.twitter.com/ggLoheBPuU

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) June 12, 2025

READ MORE: NASCAR confirm Joe Gibbs Racing penalty after Mexico City mishap

Who is replacing Denny Hamlin in Mexico City?

Having been on standby for several weeks and ready to step in at any moment, Hamlin is being replaced by Ryan Truex in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota this weekend.

Truex previously raced in the NASCAR Cup Series back in 2014, with more experience under his belt in the Xfinity and Truck Series in more recent times.

In a press conference ahead of this Sunday's race, Truex revealed that he got the call that he would be racing in Mexico City on Wednesday and admitted that he just wants to enjoy the opportunity presented to him this weekend.

Is Denny Hamlin still eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs?

NASCAR's rules clearly state that only full-time drivers who compete in every regular season Cup Series event are eligible for the playoffs.

With Hamlin's three victories so far this year, his spot in the postseason is secure. However, technically, missing this weekend's race would make him ineligible to compete.

Fortunately for Hamlin, NASCAR has a waiver system in place to get around this, and this was expanded ahead of the 2025 season to include instances such as needing to miss a race due to medical reasons, the birth of a child, or a family emergency.

NASCAR has confirmed that Hamlin has been granted a waiver and will therefore remain eligible for the 2025 Cup Series playoffs.

READ MORE: Hendrick Motorsports announce driver health update ahead of Mexico City with replacement on standby

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