NASCAR grants playoff waiver to Denny Hamlin for missing Mexico City race for birth of son

Just as most in the NASCAR world expected, Denny Hamlin has been granted a playoff waiver for missing the Mexico City race this weekend. Hamlin chose to stay home with his family after his fiancée gave birth to the couple’s third child and first son.

As a result, Denny Hamlin will retain his playoff points for the season. That is a major deal as those points carry over to each round of the playoffs. Had the waiver been denied, Hamlin would have forfeited all points he had accumulated for the year. That includes any future points he may have earned along the way.

Ryan Truex is driving the No. 11 Toyota Camry in place of Hamlin this weekend. Truex is the simulator driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and the backup driver for the organization.

For missing the weekend in Mexico City, Denny Hamlin will take a hit in points. In fact, it could be the thing that takes him out of the running for the regular season championship. As it currently stands, he is third in points, 82 behind leader William Byron. After this weekend, he could fall another 40+ points to Byron.

This is great news for Hamlin. His son was born on Wednesday, and all was good with baby and mom, according to Hamlin. However, with transitioning back home, already with two daughters to take care of, the NASCAR driver felt he was best served back home than at the track.

Besides, a road course isn’t going to play to Denny Hamlin’s strengths. I’m sure he’s happy he missed this weekend and not, for instance, Michigan, where he won.

Ryan Truex embracing chance to sub for Denny Hamlin

The story of the weekend could end up being Ryan Truex, depending on how he does on Sunday. There is a lot of hype behind the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. He has run a ton of simulator laps at the Mexico City track.

He is excited to get back in the Cup Series. To do it in a JGR car in the first international race for the series since 1958, that’s a chance he can squander, and one he wants to enjoy.

“It’s been a crazy few weeks. Basically, since Charlotte, I’ve been on standby,” Truex said. “So, yeah, I’m glad it’s at a track where I can practice and have time, and no one’s been except for a few guys. Yeah, it’s, I found out Wednesday night. So, it’s been kind of chaotic getting here and putting all of that together, but I’m just, you know, grateful for the experience and grateful to be here. Really just want to enjoy it. I don’t have, I don’t really have any set goals or expectations. I just want to enjoy the weekend.

“I’m driving a Cup car for Joe Gibbs at an international race. You know, this is not something I ever dreamed of doing. I just want to take it all in and have a good time.”