Denny Hamlin approaching 700 NASCAR Cup Series starts is making headlines as he may reach this milestone at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday, but a personal event could cause him to miss his first race since 2014. With Hamlin’s longtime partner, Jordan Fish, expecting their third child on the same day as the Cracker Barrel 400, there is uncertainty about his participation in the race.
Hamlin Faces Tough Choice as Family and Racing Collide
The race at Nashville Superspeedway could make Hamlin the 22nd driver to reach 700 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, a notable feat that adds to his legacy. However, Fish is due to give birth on June 1, the same date as the race in Lebanon, Tennessee, creating a challenging situation for the couple. Hamlin’s priority is clear, as he plans to remain in Nashville after practice and qualifying rather than return to North Carolina, staying close to Fish in anticipation of the birth of their first boy.
While Hamlin prepares for history on the track, driver Ryan Truex is on standby for the No. 11 team. Truex, a New Jersey native, has not started a Cup Series race since a stint in 2014 and has completed only one national series start this year, finishing 17th at Daytona International Speedway. To ensure a smooth transition if needed, Truex was fitted into Hamlin’s Toyota, and both share a similar build, making the switch feasible should Hamlin need to step away suddenly.
Standby Plans and Hamlin’s Determination
Hamlin was candid about the real possibility of missing the Nashville race, emphasizing his commitment to his partner and their growing family:
“I didn’t put a time on it. I think that there’s probably an eight-hour window that I don’t think it would be possible for me to do both.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The team’s preparations and Hamlin’s mindset reflect the unpredictable nature of balancing family commitments with professional milestones. If he gets the call, he plans to leave immediately, highlighting how much the moment means to his family. Truex, who had one Xfinity Series start at Nashville in 2011 with Michael Waltrip Racing, is ready to step in if necessary.
Chasing History at Nashville
On the track, Hamlin’s record at Nashville Superspeedway is impressive. In his four previous starts at the venue, he has secured two top-10 finishes and posted an average result of 10.5. The No. 11 car has consistently shown strength, leading at least 70 laps in each of the past three races. Hamlin is especially motivated to become the first driver ever to win in their 700th start, a feat that remains within reach as long as he is able to compete. Reflecting on his journey, he shared his sense of achievement:
“It feels good to still be as competitive as I was in start one,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“That’s what I’m most grateful in all of this is, 700 starts later, I can still go out and win this weekend.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The Road Forward for Hamlin and the No. 11 Team
As Sunday approaches, the focus shifts between Denny Hamlin’s quest for his 700th start and the imminent arrival of his son. The presence of Ryan Truex as backup ensures that Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 team remains prepared for any outcome. Whether Hamlin takes the green flag or steps aside for a major family milestone, this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway adds another compelling chapter to his decorated career.
Both the racing and NASCAR communities will be watching closely to see which momentous occasion Hamlin experiences first—a victory in his 700th Cup Series start or the birth of his third child. Either way, Hamlin remains grateful for his ability to compete at the highest level while navigating life’s biggest moments, making this weekend a significant one for him, his family, and his team.
