Denny Hamlin on baby watch at Michigan NASCAR race drew attention as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver prepares for Sunday’s event at Michigan International Speedway, all while awaiting the birth of his third child with fiancée Jordan Fish. As the start of the FireKeepers Casino 400 approaches, Hamlin remains ready to head back to North Carolina at a moment’s notice if the call comes for this significant family milestone.
Hamlin Balances Racing Duties and Personal Milestones
Hamlin, alongside his fiancée, has been on alert throughout the week, hoping for the arrival of their newborn before he takes to the track. The couple was already anticipating this big moment during last week’s Nashville event, yet the wait continues into the current race weekend.
“Just patiently waiting,” Hamlin shared on Saturday, explaining that he expected the baby to have arrived by now but remains on alert for any developments. The tight schedule and pending arrival mean Hamlin’s immediate plans can shift quickly, depending on his fiancée’s condition.
“We’re gonna wait to see where her symptoms are at,”
said Hamlin.
“I’ve got some meetings and whatnot here first. So after that’s over, see where her symptoms (are) at and if she has any then certainly we’ll go back.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Plans in Place for Reserve Driver Ryan Truex
If Hamlin is called home before the start of the FireKeepers Casino 400, three-time Xfinity Series winner Ryan Truex is set to fill in as the No. 11 Toyota’s reserve driver. Truex, who competed in the season opener at Daytona and has 26 Cup Series starts, though not since 2014, has been preparing for the possibility, including simulator work to get comfortable with Hamlin’s car.
Hamlin showed confidence in Truex’s ability to adapt quickly.
“He’s been working in the sim to get acclimated,”
Hamlin said of Truex.
“I was worried about him reaching my pedals first of all. But it sounds like he fits fine. If they had overnight to adjust it, if that’s the case, if I get called tonight, they’ll be able to move the pedals back to make it all fit right for him. But overall, we’re basically the same kind of body size, so he’ll take over.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Family Uncertainty and the Road Ahead
The preferred plan remains for the child to arrive before next weekend’s Cup Series debut race in Mexico City. However, Hamlin made clear that family decisions are being led by his fiancée, emphasizing that he’s ready to prioritize the urgency of the situation, even if it means missing an upcoming race.
“I’m gonna leave the call entirely up to her,”
Hamlin said. —Denny Hamlin, Driver
As the racing world looks to Michigan International Speedway this weekend, Hamlin’s situation embodies the balance many athletes must maintain between their professional and personal lives. With Ryan Truex ready in the wings and support from his Joe Gibbs Racing team, all eyes will be on whether Hamlin will be racing for victory or heading home to welcome a new family member.
