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NASCAR driver and team owner Denny Hamlin

NASCAR star Denny Hamlin issues verdict on confirmed Cup Series driver exit

NASCAR star Denny Hamlin issues verdict on confirmed Cup Series driver exit

NASCAR driver and team owner Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing star Denny Hamlin has issued his verdict on a confirmed NASCAR Cup Series driver exit.

It was announced last week that Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2025 season, when the Mexican star's current deal with the team expires.

NASCAR HEADLINES: Team Penske suffer double blow as multiple Cup Series stars hit with penalties

Suarez has spent four and a half seasons with Trackhouse so far, but despite that lengthy spell, Hamlin is not one bit surprised to see him exit.

"Yeah, I don't know," Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental podcast.

"Ray Charles probably saw this one coming."

READ MORE: Joey Logano calls for NASCAR to punish Cup Series rival

Denny Hamlin on Daniel Suarez replacement

One of Hamlin's podcast co-hosts then turned the conversation to who might replace Suarez in the No. 99, suggesting that the team will look to once again hire a road course specialist, as they have done with Shane van Gisbergen, to exploit NASCAR's 'win and you're in' playoff rule.

Many expect Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch to be the man to step up, and he is considered a strong road course driver, although recently did win on an oval for the first time.

“I think it’s cut and paste," Hamlin explained.

"I think Connor [Zilisch] is a little bit faster [than SVG] on ovals, he's won in Xfinity on an oval, we talked about this, Pocono.

"Actually been in contention at other ovals, sat on the pole at some ovals early in the season, so I think it's a cut and paste of SVG.

"Now you can go in there, and now you’ve got two bullets in the gun at every road course that are probably going to be one of your favorites.

"It’s a straight shot avenue to the playoffs, as long as the system doesn’t change.”

READ MORE: Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin among NASCAR stars hit with penalties in Chicago

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