Denny Hamlin, a 50-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, has signed a multi-year contract to remain as part of Joe Gibbs Racing for the foreseeable future, the organization announced on Monday.
The 42-year-old will retain his position as the driver of the No. 11 Toyota Camry TRD, as he embarks on his 20th season in the NASCAR Cup Series with the championship-winning organization in 2024.
“Joe Gibbs Racing has been my home for almost 20 years now,” said Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Toyota Camry TRD. ”My relationship with Joe [Gibbs], my team, and everyone at JGR means a lot to me. We have accomplished so much together over the years. I’m excited to finally announce this so we can put all our focus on chasing the championship.”
Hamlin, a native of Chesterfield, Virginia, has been among the most-talked-about drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series garage as of late, as the absence of a contract extension sparked rumors of a potential change of scenery for the racer-turned-podcaster.
Since joining forces with Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of 2004, Hamlin has been a fixture in the organization's success, scoring 50 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, and 18 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series - including Saturday's event at Darlington Raceway.
“It is amazing to think it has been almost 20 years since J.D. (Gibbs) first saw him race and we signed him to that first contract,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “He has been a big part of Joe Gibbs Racing ever since then and we look forward to that continuing for years to come.”
The announcement of Hamlin's return means that all four of the full-time seats have been filled at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024, with Christopher Bell, Martin Truex, Jr., and Ty Gibbs all returning to the organization.
Hamlin is one of three Joe Gibbs Racing drivers and five Toyota-backed competitors competing for the NASCAR Cup Series title this season, as the team's most experienced driver looks for his first championship.
