Despite signing a multi-year contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in July 2025, Denny Hamlin’s tenure as the driver of the No. 11 Toyota Camry is entering its final phase. The veteran racer, 44, confirmed this contract will likely mark the end of his long-standing career, signaling a shift for the team beyond the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Hamlin’s continued commitment secures his role for what will become his 21st, 22nd, and 23rd full seasons, but the discussion within Joe Gibbs Racing has begun to focus on succession planning, ending an era that has defined the identity of the No. 11 car for more than two decades.
Hamlin’s Ongoing Drive and Commitment to Victory
With 58 Cup Series wins, ranking 11th all-time, Denny Hamlin remains a formidable competitor and an icon at Joe Gibbs Racing. Having competed exclusively with JGR throughout his career, he has already notched four victories in the 2025 season alone.
“Joe (Gibbs) and everyone at JGR are family to me… We’ve had a solid start to this season, and we’ve been able to welcome some great new partners this year, so there are a lot of exciting things happening with our team not only now, but also into the future,” Hamlin said in the announcement.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Hamlin’s relationship with team owner Joe Gibbs has been mutually rewarding and long-lasting.
“I really appreciate Denny and everything he has meant to our organization. It is just really special when you think about everything we’ve experienced over the past 20 years… and we are thrilled he has been able to spend his entire career with us.”
—Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
More than prolonging his career, Hamlin wants to control how it ends, emphasizing that his decision to retire will depend on his ability to compete at the highest level.
“I want the ability to know I can win my last race. That’s going to be the deciding factor.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
If Hamlin’s performance declines, he plans to step away; if he continues winning, the contract allows for three more full seasons. Regardless, JGR faces the challenge of finding a worthy replacement for their most successful driver.
JGR’s Strategic Focus: Identifying Successors Among Toyota’s Young Talent
The No. 11 car has been synonymous with Hamlin since his NASCAR Cup debut. His record includes three Daytona 500 victories, three Southern 500 wins, a Coca-Cola 600 triumph, and an unmatched streak of 18 playoff appearances, including four Championship 4 finishes.
With a talent-rich development system through Toyota Racing Development (TRD), JGR has several promising drivers who could step into Hamlin’s shoes by the time he retires.
Here are five top Toyota prospects most likely to succeed Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Cup Series:
William Sawalich: Rookie with Strong Foundations
Currently in his rookie Xfinity season, 18-year-old William Sawalich is positioned 160 points shy of the playoff cutoff but boasts significant potential. Having earned six top-10 finishes this year and capturing two ARCA East championships along with the 2022 Trans-Am TA2 ProAm Series title, Sawalich’s familiarity with JGR’s system makes him a known quantity and a potential long-term candidate.
Brent Crews: A Diverse Racing Talent
At 18, Brent Crews competes across three categories: the Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, and Trans-Am. His two ARCA victories and an impressive eighth-place finish in only his second NASCAR Truck start at Lime Rock Park highlight his rapid adaptability. A former Trans-Am TA2 Series champion at 15 and the youngest-ever POWRi National Midget winner, Crews brings versatility and speed that position him as a likely contender to replace Hamlin.
Gio Ruggiero: Versatile Competitor with Consistent Results
Gio Ruggiero, 19, stands out for his versatility and proven short-track success. His accolades include championships in the CRA Super Series, Southern Super Series, and Pro Late Model Series. After winning in ARCA last year, he competes full-time in the Truck Series this year, collecting six top-10 finishes. Although 99 points below the playoff cutline in 2025, his consistent performances mark him as a strong prospect.
Taylor Gray: Experienced and Steady Performer
Taylor Gray, aged 20, is in his first full-time Xfinity Series season and currently 67 points above the playoff cutoff, supported by 11 top-10 finishes and 190 laps led. Gray was a championship contender in the Truck Series last year and nearly captured the ARCA East title two years prior, giving him a mix of results and experience that signals readiness for greater responsibility.
Corey Heim: The Emerging Heir Apparent
Corey Heim, 23, may already carry the informal title of Hamlin’s successor. Dominating the 2025 Truck Series season, he clinched the regular season championship with two races to spare, boasting five wins and an additional five top-five finishes. Heim has gained experience partnering with established JGR drivers like Martin Truex Jr. and Christopher Bell in TRICON entries this year. By 2028, he could be competing full-time in Xfinity or the Cup Series, poised to transition fully into Hamlin’s role.
Preparing for a New Era at Joe Gibbs Racing
Denny Hamlin’s career has been inseparable from Joe Gibbs Racing’s identity, defining the No. 11 Toyota Camry for more than 20 years. With this extension likely signaling his last full contract, JGR is focusing strategically on succession within Toyota’s veteran-filled talent development program. The next few seasons will be critical for grooming Hamlin’s successors, ensuring the team remains competitive and poised for success beyond his departure.
The combination of Hamlin’s desire to exit on a high note and the presence of skilled prospects within TRD’s system creates an intense but hopeful atmosphere within JGR. How these emerging drivers fill the void left by one of NASCAR’s greats will capture the attention of fans and industry insiders alike as 2028 approaches.
