Denny Hamlin prioritizes family over Mexico City NASCAR race as he awaits the birth of his third child with fiancée Jordan Fish this week. With NASCAR competitors set to leave Thursday for the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City, Hamlin stated he will skip the event if Fish has not delivered before departure, underscoring his commitment to being present for his family at this significant time.
Hamlin Makes Family the Top Priority During Race Week
As the NASCAR schedule brings teams to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for Sunday’s race, Hamlin has publicly clarified that his main focus remains on supporting Fish through childbirth. The decision to potentially forego one of the season’s major international events highlights the personal significance of the week for the couple. Hamlin addressed his intentions in an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, indicating his willingness to put racing second.
“I said from the very beginning that if she hasn’t had it by the time I need to leave for Mexico, then I’m not going to go to Mexico. I think that’s the proper thing to do,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
While Hamlin prepares for the possibility of missing the Viva Mexico 250, he emphasized deferring to Fish’s needs and timeline. The couple’s anticipation has grown after getting through recent races without incident. As Sunday’s event approaches, Hamlin and Fish remain focused on the birth of their son, with Hamlin expressing that family will always take precedence over professional obligations.
“Ultimately, I need to be there for her during post and all those things. Just gonna make sure I spend the proper time with her and obviously, the racing will come second this week.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Awaiting the Arrival: Name Decisions and Race Milestones
Hamlin and Fish have been preparing for their son’s arrival for several weeks, and recent milestones—including Hamlin’s recent victory at Michigan International Speedway’s FireKeepers Casino 400—have added excitement to an already emotional time. With the baby due soon, the couple has spent the last two races on edge, ready in case labor begins. While they have discussed names, Hamlin’s Michigan win may influence their final choice.
The Process Behind Choosing Their Son’s Name
The name selection has become something of a joint project for the couple, who have compiled a list of more than a dozen options. Technological help has played a part in narrowing down favorites, giving both Hamlin and Fish a say in the final decision. Despite the stakes of race week, naming their son remains a playful and somewhat competitive process between the two.
“We have this app that is essentially swipe left, swipe right on names and then you match names that you both like. … And so, right now we have like 13-15 names that we matched. I have one that I was hung up on right from the beginning,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin also shared a candid perspective on the give-and-take required, noting that their approach lets each partner have a voice, while light-heartedly reflecting on the possibility that his career success could factor into the baby’s name.
“So, she’s getting it her way and then hopefully, I have things my way when it’s all said and done. But it’s a great point that does something from today get in there somewhere. That’s a good thought.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The Bigger Picture: Racing, Family, and a Unique Race Week
With the Viva Mexico 250 rapidly approaching, other competitors and fans are left wondering if Hamlin will join the grid. His planned absence, should the baby not arrive before departure, places an uncommon level of attention on his personal choices amid a busy NASCAR season. The situation puts Hamlin among drivers who have made similar family-centered decisions, reinforcing the message that some moments in life outweigh even the sport’s premier events.
If Hamlin does remain stateside, his presence for Jordan Fish and their growing family will be a comfort, regardless of on-track developments. As he balances the arrival of a new child with the possibility of another racing triumph, Hamlin’s week shows the layered, sometimes ambiguous priorities of top athletes, underscoring that, for many, family comes first—no matter what is at stake on race day.
