Denny Hamlin faces a weekend of both professional and personal anticipation as he competes in Nashville, while also preparing for the birth of his first son with fiancée Jordan Fish. The Denny Hamlin Nashville baby watch and backup driver plans are in full effect, with Ryan Truex on standby should Hamlin need to step away at any moment.
Hamlin Awaits Family Milestone as Cup Series Weekend Looms
With the NASCAR Cup Series event set for Sunday, Hamlin is not only focused on a potential win but also ready to welcome his third child, his first son. Over the years, NASCAR drivers have learned to navigate the unpredictability of family life during the high-intensity racing season. The customary approach is to designate a backup driver and hope for the timing to align so the birth does not conflict with race day responsibilities.
This week, should Hamlin’s fiancée go into labor, Ryan Truex, the younger brother of reigning Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., has been named as Hamlin’s replacement. Truex’s recent performances bolster his readiness, having achieved three Xfinity Series wins since 2023, with two victories recorded this season alone. Many in the racing community view Truex as fully capable of handling a Cup Series assignment if called upon.
Ryan Truex Stands Ready With No. 11 Team
Ryan Truex is currently with Hamlin’s No. 11 team in Nashville, prepared to take the wheel should a family call arise over the weekend. The arrangement provides peace of mind to Hamlin and his team, ensuring that all possibilities are covered as the due date approaches.
Dustin Long of NBC Sports confirmed Truex’s standby status, highlighting how NASCAR organizations strategize for such personal milestones:
“#NASCAR … Ryan Truex will be here at Nashville with Denny Hamlin on baby watch. … the 11 team was scheduled to do the Iowa tire test next week but teammate Chase Briscoe will do it now.”
— Dustin Long, NBC Sports
Additionally, with Hamlin potentially occupied, it was announced that Chase Briscoe would substitute for him during the scheduled Iowa tire test for Joe Gibbs Racing next week. The team’s contingency plans reflect the level of support and flexibility within NASCAR when drivers face important family events or emergencies.
Playoff Implications and NASCAR Family Leave Policy
Should Hamlin miss a race to be present at his child’s birth, he would be eligible for a playoff waiver. NASCAR rules recognize the birth of a child as a legitimate reason for excused absence from a points race. The organization’s policy also extends waivers for health issues, family emergencies, and for drivers who are not old enough to compete on larger tracks, though the latter is not a factor for Hamlin or most Cup Series regulars.
This approach allows top drivers to address significant family milestones without jeopardizing their championship hopes. The recent discussions around family leave and waivers demonstrate NASCAR’s evolving approach to personal well-being and professional commitment, impacting both No. 11 team operations and championship scenarios.
Recent History and Hamlin’s Nashville Aspirations
Last year, Hamlin showcased remarkable speed at Nashville Superspeedway and briefly led the field after passing Ross Chastain in the late stages of regulation. The race then descended into overtime chaos, with drivers spinning and running low on fuel, leaving Hamlin unable to clinch the win despite a strong showing. The unpredictability of motorsport means that, while Hamlin hopes for a clean weekend both on the track and at home, much is out of his control.
For Hamlin, the best-case scenario would be to claim a Cup Series victory on Sunday and then welcome his son shortly after, ideally avoiding overlap between the race finish and the delivery. However, as Hamlin approaches fatherhood for the third time, the priority remains clear: family comes first, and any outcome in Nashville, both personal and professional, will be memorable.
What Lies Ahead for Hamlin, Truex, and the No. 11 Team
As Nashville unfolds, all eyes will be on both Denny Hamlin’s pursuit of a win and the arrival of his baby boy. Ryan Truex stands ready to make an impact should his services be required, underlining the depth of talent in the Joe Gibbs Racing stable and the importance of preparation in top-level motorsport.
The combination of high-stakes racing, the presence of a capable backup driver, and a major family event illustrates the personal challenges NASCAR drivers manage behind the scenes. As Hamlin’s situation develops, the team and the racing community will watch closely, balancing competitive goals with the universal significance of family milestones.
