During NASCAR’s inaugural points race in Mexico City, Denny Hamlin opted to miss the event, choosing instead to be with his family as they welcomed their newest member. This choice led Dale Earnhardt Jr. to speak out in support, commending Hamlin for making family a priority even at the cost of missing valuable competition time, making
“Dale Earnhardt Jr praises Denny Hamlin family decision”
a focal point in the current NASCAR conversation.
Hamlin Misses a Historic Race to Be Home for Family
Denny Hamlin, a veteran for Joe Gibbs Racing, was notably absent from the Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez due to the birth of his first son—his third child overall. The event was filled with logistical hurdles and unpredictable weather, factors that already made participation challenging for many drivers and teams. Shane van Gisbergen managed a dominant victory with a time gap of more than 16.5 seconds, highlighting the difficult racing conditions that day.
Hamlin’s absence meant missing out on vital championship points that could have helped maintain his standing at the top of the NASCAR Cup Series leaderboard. However, Hamlin prioritized being present at home with his fiancée and their newborn, a topic that soon drew praise from influential voices within the sport, including Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Applauds Hamlin’s Family-First Approach
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and influential figure, openly supported Hamlin’s decision to stay with his family. Earnhardt Jr. observed the evolving culture in the sport regarding the personal lives of drivers, stating that the decision made by the 44-year-old driver was the smart one, especially when considering the circumstances at home.
“You gotta make that call considering all circumstances involved and they have two girls in the house, you got a third [on the way], mom’s gonna need a couple of days. Denny wanted to be home — I thought that was awesome. … I thought it was a great decision.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., on the Dale Jr Download.”
Earnhardt Jr. has highlighted that NASCAR has entered a new era, one where family responsibilities and personal relationships are being respected as legitimate reasons for drivers to miss significant races. This shift marks a notable departure from the sport’s past attitudes.
“There’s two NASCARS. There’s the old NASCAR where you drove with a broken neck, you raced with obvious concussions and you missed high school graduations of your kids. You missed all of the milestones, all the moments. But that’s the old NASCAR, and that’s not how we do it anymore. We’re in a new day and time where if you’ve got something you wanna be home for, you’ve got the opportunity to make that decision
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., added.”
Location and Circumstance Influenced Hamlin’s Choice
Hamlin was clear about his priorities, deciding before the Mexico City event to remain at home for his growing family. Road course races like the one in Mexico are not traditionally his strongest or most favored, and the overseas logistics added another layer of difficulty. According to Earnhardt Jr., if the race had taken place at Darlington Raceway—a track where Hamlin has a history of success—his decision might have been different.
Why Darlington Would Have Changed Everything
Darlington is a favorite for Hamlin, underscored by his recent victory at this venue in the Goodyear 400. Earnhardt Jr. explained that the driver’s commitment to Darlington and its status in Hamlin’s career could have persuaded him to race, even under challenging personal circumstances.
“I think if it was at Darlington, he would have ran the race, flew in and drove the fu*king car.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., noted.”
The unique nature of the Mexico City event, with its travel and unfamiliar circuit, contrasted with Hamlin’s comfort and success at Darlington, making his decision to sit out less controversial among his supporters and peers.
A New Chapter for NASCAR Drivers
Hamlin’s choice has emphasized a cultural shift in racing, as articulated by Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Previous generations of drivers routinely put their professional commitments before significant personal events, often missing important family milestones. Today, however, athletes like Hamlin are empowered to reassess these priorities, setting a precedent for future drivers.
With his playoff position already secured, Hamlin now looks forward to returning at Pocono after enjoying this personal milestone. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be shaped not just by performances on the track, but also by the life choices drivers make off it, as shown by this high-profile moment where the focus was as much on family as on racing.
