Denny Hamlin’s time in NASCAR is approaching a definitive end, with a clear timeline now emerging as the sport looks ahead. The 44-year-old driver, who holds the record for most Cup Series wins without a championship title at 58 victories, has confirmed plans that keep him racing until at least 2027, setting expectations for his retirement.
Hamlin, a key figure at Joe Gibbs Racing since 2005, has demonstrated strong form in the 2025 season, already celebrating four wins and securing a playoff spot. His recently signed multi-year contract extension confirms his commitment through the next two years but also signals the winding down of his long career.
Hamlin addresses his retirement plans and decision factors
When announcing the extension, Hamlin openly discussed his retirement intentions, suggesting that this upcoming contract would likely be his last. He emphasized his desire to retire on a high note, rather than waiting until his performance declines significantly.
I want the ability to know I can win my last race. That’s going to be the deciding factor. I’m not going to wait until I start to head downward and then retire. I don’t want to go through a whole year of that,
he said. —Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
I understand if it just happens naturally in the second half of the final year – then it just happens. But I don’t want to have to go through another season, if I start tailing off, then the next year I’ll just retire. I can retire whenever I want to retire.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
If Hamlin steps away at the conclusion of the 2027 season, it provides Joe Gibbs Racing with a firm timeframe to plan the future of the No. 11 car, which Hamlin has driven for nearly two decades.
Joe Gibbs Racing begins planning for Hamlin’s successor
For the first time in many years, Joe Gibbs Racing is preparing for a future without Denny Hamlin in the driver’s seat of the No. 11 Toyota. According to journalist Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, conversations are already underway about who might fill this critical role starting in 2028.
Bianchi’s analysis of NASCAR free agency highlights several promising options for JGR in seeking Hamlin’s replacement. Among those mentioned is Brent Crews, a rising star within Toyota’s racing ranks, who has emerged as a potential candidate for the seat.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s status as an elite team means it remains an attractive destination for skilled drivers aiming for championships. Bianchi notes that multiple well-known drivers across NASCAR have expiring contracts in the near future, which could open up further possibilities for the No. 11 role.
Inside the garage, the talk is already ramping up over who may be driving the No. 11 Toyota in 2028.
—Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR journalist
Implications of the upcoming transition for NASCAR and JGR
The anticipation surrounding Denny Hamlin’s retirement and the search for his successor creates a sense of uncertainty and heightened interest among fans and insiders alike. Hamlin’s impact on NASCAR, with his exceptional record and consistent presence in Victory Lane, sets a high bar for whoever will take over the No. 11 car.
For Joe Gibbs Racing, successfully managing this transition will be critical to maintaining their competitive edge and contending for future Cup Series championships. The selection of a driver to replace Hamlin will reverberate across the NASCAR landscape, influencing driver market moves and team strategies.
As 2027 approaches, all eyes will remain on Hamlin’s performance and the unfolding decisions within JGR, making this a pivotal period for the team and the sport’s future dynamics.
