In a striking turn of events, Denny Hamlin, the famed NASCAR driver, has successfully filled the sponsorship chasm left by FedEx, his long-standing ally of nearly two decades. The shipping behemoth, boasting a net worth of $64.28 billion, had painted the No. 11 Toyota in vibrant hues of purple and orange, a symbol of their powerful alliance that had yielded 54 career victories. However, their withdrawal in 2024, along with Mavis Tires, tore a hole in the team’s fabric, threatening to destabilize Hamlin’s future with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).
Fans of JGR were no strangers to such disruptive scenarios. The narrative was all too familiar, mirroring the moment when M&M’s severed ties with Kyle Busch and the No.18 team. Albeit JGR managed to sustain the blow with King’s Hawaiian and National Debt Relief stepping in, the need for a dependable anchor partner was palpable. The absence of a sturdy support system bred rumors, stirring doubts about Hamlin’s future at JGR.
Silencing the rumor mill, JGR has taken a decisive step. As Hamlin gears up to seize his first championship in his 20th season, JGR has secured a lifeline in the form of Progressive Insurance. The insurance giant has decided to back Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE in the 2025 season, covering 18 races. The timing couldn’t have been more fortuitous for Hamlin, who stands 12th in points following a stellar performance that saw him nearly clinch victory at Daytona and secure a photo finish second place at the Phoenix race, losing only to his teammate, Christopher Bell.
“This partnership is a monumental development for our No. 11 team and the entire Joe Gibbs Racing fraternity,” Hamlin said. His enthusiasm was mirrored by Progressive’s Sean Freeman, who exclaimed, “The opportunity to be a part of the Joe Gibbs Racing family and back a stalwart NASCAR driver like Denny Hamlin was too tempting to resist.”
Progressive Insurance’s colors are set to grace the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This marks the beginning of their comprehensive 2025 schedule that includes esteemed venues such as Bristol, Talladega, and the season finale at Phoenix. This partnership, combined with JGR’s two-race deal with ampm, secures Hamlin’s sponsorship landscape for the upcoming year following the exit of FedEx and 2024 partner Mavis Tire & Brakes.
As Hamlin hungrily chases his first championship, having come agonizingly close on several occasions, this deal serves as a beacon of stability. With the sponsorship puzzle now complete, Hamlin can refocus his attention on the track, returning to his characteristic form, especially with a promising schedule ahead.