Denny Hamlin announces birth of son, will miss Mexico City NASCAR weekend

Ryan Truex gets the call-up to replace Denny Hamlin at Mexico City. This is a huge opportunity for Truex on an international stage.

Joe Gibbs Racing released a statement on the matter as well. They will officially apply for a playoff waiver. That waiver should be granted as birth of a child is considered a valid exception.

“[Denny Hamlin] will miss Sunday’s [NASCAR] Cup Series race in Mexico City. We will apply for a waiver to maintain his status for the 2025 Playoffs. In Denny’s absence, [Ryan Truex] will pilot the No. 11 [Yahoo] Toyota this weekend.”

Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan last week. He will be back for Pocono after his time off this weekend. The Tricky Triangle is perhaps the best track on the schedule for Hamlin. He has won seven races at the track, the most all-time.

Denny Hamlin taking the weekend off to be with family

The birth of a child is very important. With two kids already, Denny Hamlin is making sure he is on hand to help his fiancée and newborn son with whatever they may need. You have to admire his dedication to his family. Many professional athletes would not sacrifice a race or a game the way Hamlin is doing.

With Mexico City being a road course race, it’s not that big of a deal for Hamlin to miss it. He isn’t the best road course racer, and when he comes back next week, he will have a great opportunity to win his fourth race of the season at Pocono.

For Ryan Truex, this is a massive opportunity. He is the simulator testing driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and the backup driver. Of course, he is the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. In select starts, Ryan has won multiple Xfinity Series races in the last few years.

Denny Hamlin out this weekend to be with family. Now, we wait for official word from NASCAR on the waiver. He should be granted the waiver without issue.