Denny Hamlin’s participation in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1 remains uncertain as his fiancée, Jordan Fish, is expected to give birth to their third child and first son on the same day. This situation has created a countdown atmosphere, with fans and insiders closely monitoring whether Hamlin will take the wheel at the points-paying race amid the family event.
Known for his long-standing excellence in NASCAR, Hamlin has built a remarkable career since his full-time debut in 2006. With 56 Cup Series wins under his belt, including prestigious victories at the Daytona 500 in 2016, 2019, and 2020, as well as the Coca-Cola 600 in 2022 and multiple Southern 500 titles, Hamlin stands as one of the sport’s most consistent competitors. He drives the number 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing and is a co-owner of the team alongside Michael Jordan.
Backup Driver Ryan Truex Ready to Step In if Hamlin Is Absent
Should Hamlin be unavailable for the Nashville race, Ryan Truex is prepared to substitute as the driver for the #11 car. Truex, well acquainted with Joe Gibbs Racing’s setups through extensive simulator work, offers a seamless contingency option amidst the uncertainty surrounding Hamlin’s ability to race during Jordan Fish’s delivery.
Bob Pockrass, a seasoned NASCAR journalist, emphasized the fluidity of the situation to fans, stating that definitive information on Hamlin’s participation would not be available until just hours before the event. Pockrass affirmed,
“Hamlin on baby watch is fluid so probably won’t know anything somewhat definitive for at least about another four-five hours. Ryan Truex can get into the car at any time. He does a lot of sim work for JGR so familiar with setups and everything.”
Hamlin’s Strong Performance in the 2025 NASCAR Season
Throughout 2025, Denny Hamlin has showcased impressive form, already securing two wins alongside five top-five and six top-ten finishes. His most recent triumph occurred at Darlington Raceway during the Throwback Weekend event, further reinforcing his prowess on short tracks and his ongoing status as a top contender in this season’s Cup Series competition.
Eligibility for Playoff Waiver if Hamlin Misses the Race
Bob Pockrass clarified another critical detail regarding Hamlin’s potential absence from the Nashville race. Should Hamlin need to prioritize the birth of his child, NASCAR’s updated rules allow for a playoff waiver, viewing childbirth as a valid medical reason. This waiver would protect Hamlin’s playoff points, ensuring that his standing for the postseason is not compromised due to family commitments.
Pockrass noted,
“NASCAR would consider birth of child as a medical reason as far as granting a waiver and driver keeping playoff points,”
offering reassurance to fans and the team alike about the driver’s playoff eligibility.
Hamlin’s Upcoming Schedule After Nashville
Looking ahead, Denny Hamlin’s schedule includes several key races following Nashville. These events are the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan on June 8, the Viva México 250 in Mexico City on June 15, and the HighPoint.com 400 at Pocono on June 22. Additional stops include Atlanta, Chicago, Sonoma, and Indianapolis, as Hamlin continues his passionate pursuit of success during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
