For over two decades, NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin has been a prominent figure at Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the most successful teams in the sport. However, interestingly, the first paycheck he ever received as an employee came from an unexpected source—Subway, not JGR or any racing team. This revelation emerged during an online Q&A session Hamlin hosted on Instagram, where a fan inquired if he had ever worked in retail or fast food.
Hamlin shared that he worked at Subway in 1996, and that’s where he received his first official paycheck. At the time, he was focused on high school while also participating in a few go-kart and mini-stock races. Today, Denny Hamlin has established himself as one of NASCAR’s star drivers, boasting an impressive net worth of $65 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. With 56 career wins to his name, the Tampa, Florida native has also ventured into ownership, co-owning a race team with NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Hamlin’s most recent victory as a driver took place earlier this year in April during NASCAR’s throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway. His first win of the 2025 season came at Martinsville on March 30. He currently ranks second in the driver standings, having accumulated five top-five finishes, six top-10s, and 316 points throughout the season.
However, Denny Hamlin and his No. 11 team at Joe Gibbs Racing faced a significant challenge when their longtime sponsor, FedEx, exited after the 2024 season. Fortunately, they secured a new partnership with Progressive Insurance, which will provide support for the next 18 months. Meanwhile, teammate Ty Gibbs, who drives the No. 54 car, has also entered a multi-year partnership with Saia Inc. Team owner Joe Gibbs expressed his satisfaction with this development in a statement to Forbes.
Despite these positive strides, the financial outlook for Joe Gibbs Racing became concerning after Saia Inc. reported lackluster profits for the first quarter of 2025, resulting in a 32 percent drop in their stock value. This decline raises questions about the future stability of the racing team and its ongoing partnerships.
As Denny Hamlin continues to excel on the track, the implications of these financial shifts and sponsorship changes will likely play a critical role in the future of NASCAR and the competitive landscape. The sport is more dynamic than ever, and fans are watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
