[autotag]Joe Gibbs Racing[/autotag] is continuing its contract negotiations with [autotag]Denny Hamlin[/autotag] and while it may not be the same situation as Kyle Busch in 2022, there was some public speculation of him leaving the team. It was previously reported that 23XI Racing, Hamlin’s race team, and Ford had meetings at Michigan International Speedway about a potential partnership.
Then, it was said that 23XI Racing could be talking to popular Ford driver Zane Smith about a ride for the 2024 NASCAR season. Unfortunately for Smith, the organization’s president Steve Lauletta said he expects the team to continue with Toyota, which puts the focus on Hamlin’s deal. In fact, Joe Gibbs Racing owner Joe Gibbs went on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to talk about the situation.
“My hope is we’re kind of moving forward with all of that,” Gibbs said. “Hopefully, there is going to be something to announce here real quick. I think that’s kind of where we are. Things are not done yet so you’re working hard on them and certainly, all of us want that to happen.”
Denny Hamlin wins his 50th race and gets BOOED! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/NHv4EAKYsU
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 23, 2023
We want (Denny Hamlin) at (Joe Gibbs Racing), it’s been 17 years, he’s helped us build our race team along with all those other guys that have helped us over the years from a driver standpoint. We would love for him to be here and go his entire career and retire here. That’s kind of our dream, that’s what we would like.”
The driver of the No. 11 car’s return to Joe Gibbs Racing is directly related to 23XI Racing’s deal with Toyota. If the organization can strike an agreement, the likelihood of Hamlin staying with the NASCAR team significantly rises. For now, the two sides will continue to work as they look to take the deal across the start-finish line.
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