Denny Hamlin returning to No. 11 car after Mexico absence has created anticipation among NASCAR fans as Ryan Truex, who substituted for Hamlin during the Mexico race weekend, shared candid reflections on the unique challenges and lessons from his temporary role. The change comes as Hamlin looks to recover momentum for his team at Pocono, while Truex recaps the demanding Cup Series experience shaped by racing history and adverse weather conditions.
Ryan Truex Steps In, Looks to Family Legacy
During Hamlin’s absence for the Mexico Cup event, Ryan Truex assumed the seat with hopes of following in the victorious footsteps of his brother Martin Truex Jr., who had won at the same circuit two decades ago. Seeking guidance, Ryan leaned on Martin’s advice before starting 36th on the grid. Despite moving up the field to finish 24th—a notable improvement—he acknowledged that achieving a top-20 would have more fully honored the Truex name.
Challenge of Changing Conditions and Tough Competition
Truex found his car more competitive during the rainy spells, especially when using wet-weather tires. He reflected on the difficulties, experiencing both gains and setbacks throughout the race. One key moment came when, after switching to slicks, he made a misstep on a wet part of the track.
Just made a small mistake and got my right rear end in a puddle and immediately spun out. I don’t think I was the only one that spun out on his own today, so I don’t feel terrible about it.
—Ryan Truex, Driver
Later, contact in the pack ended any chance at a higher finish, but not before he made the most of the opportunity. Sharing the realities of being a substitute driver, Truex described the dynamics in the field:
Which, I mean, it’s to be expected. I don’t race every week. They don’t know me. They know I’m not gonna be here next week. I definitely got taken advantage of a lot, but I’m happy with the progress I made through the weekend.
—Ryan Truex, Driver
Throughout the event, Truex managed to avoid a major 13-car accident, demonstrating quick instinct and speed that briefly put him inside the top 15. He later admitted that extra laps or more time in practice could have resulted in a far stronger showing and positioned him much higher on the starting grid. He also noted a preference for racing in the rain, where he felt especially comfortable with his car’s handling.
Hamlin’s Return at Pocono and Team Outlook
With the Mexico round complete, Hamlin is confirmed to return to the No. 11 car at Pocono. This track has been one of his most successful venues, scoring seven career wins—including three since the advent of the Next Gen era. Hamlin’s comeback represents a fresh opportunity for his team to recover from the points deficit incurred during their time away from the Cup event. The focus now shifts to capitalizing on his experience at Pocono, as both driver and team look to regain ground in the intense NASCAR season.
Ryan Truex, for his part, expressed gratitude for the high-pressure opportunity, noting he felt better prepared on race day than during qualifying at the back of the field. While fans wait to see when Truex next appears in Cup competition, Hamlin’s return will undoubtedly impact the event’s outcome, the team’s season trajectory, and the ongoing narratives within the world of NASCAR.
