Joe Gibbs mourns Fred Smith’s impact on JGR as the team heads into the Pocono Cup race this weekend with a heavy heart. The passing of Fred Smith, the founder and former CEO of FedEx, leaves Joe Gibbs Racing not only without its iconic supporter, but also without a friend who was instrumental in shaping two decades of NASCAR history.
Fred Smith’s Enduring Legacy in NASCAR
Back in 2005, Denny Hamlin’s career took off largely thanks to an introduction made possible by Joe Gibbs and Fred Smith. Gibbs had a seat open in the No. 11 car, and it was Smith—then leading FedEx—who saw potential in both the sport and in Gibbs’ decision-making. The partnership between Joe Gibbs Racing and FedEx, spearheaded by Smith’s faith and vision, spanned more than twenty years and contributed billions in brand exposure.
As Hamlin moved into the driver’s seat of the No. 11 car, FedEx became more than a logo on the hood—it became a defining part of Hamlin’s identity. The connection, forged early through the trust between Smith and Gibbs, gave the team consistent backing and a rare sponsorship stability in the unpredictable world of motorsport. Referring to this stability, Denny Hamlin once remarked,
“They’ve been with me my entire career, which is so rare… I bleed purple,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver, reflecting the depth of the bond between himself, FedEx, and by extension, Smith.
The reliability of FedEx as a business partner did not merely offer financial support; it provided the foundation for ambitious runs at championships, and created a legacy that JGR carries forward every time the No. 11 car takes the track.
The Passing of a Visionary—Fred Smith Remembered by Joe Gibbs Racing
Just before the Pocono Cup race, news broke that Fredrick Smith, a former Marine veteran and widely respected entrepreneur, had died at age 80. Smith’s journey from overcoming a hip defect as a child to completing two tours in Vietnam before founding a global shipping empire is the stuff of legend. Although he retired as FedEx CEO in 2022, his guidance and presence remained evident at the company and across the sport.
Joe Gibbs Racing took to social media to share their sorrow over Smith’s passing, stating,
“The Gibbs family and everyone at JGR want to express condolences to the Smith family on the loss of Fred Smith. Mr. Smith played an integral part in building the No. 11 team. His friendship and impact on JGR are something our team will forever be grateful for,”
—Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Statement. The tribute reflected not only corporate gratitude, but genuine personal appreciation for Smith’s decades-long influence.
Fred Smith’s relationship with Joe Gibbs himself predates NASCAR, going back to Gibbs’ tenure with the Washington Commanders. When a new sponsorship was needed to back a rising talent in Hamlin, Smith’s trust in Gibbs became a catalyst for the historic run of the JGR-FedEx partnership. Smith was more than a figure behind the scenes; he visited races, interacted with drivers and crew, and reinforced the idea that loyalty and community matter as much as winning.
The Human Side of a Business Titan
Fred Smith’s reach extended far beyond the racing world. Born in 1944 and facing physical challenges early in life, Smith overcame adversity to become a star athlete during prep school, a Marine leader in Vietnam, and, ultimately, the architect behind FedEx. His military experience deeply influenced his management approach and philosophy. He once explained,
“I was in charge of youngsters from different walks of life. That experience taught me what fairness really looks like,”
—Fred Smith, Founder, describing how his years of service impacted his outlook on people and business.
Launching Federal Express in 1973 despite skepticism—his own Yale professor dismissed the idea—Smith relied on perseverance, resourcefulness, and moments of risk. He famously used a gambling win at a Las Vegas casino to keep the business going at a critical moment. This relentless drive was at the core of his leadership. FedEx didn’t just become a logistics empire delivering millions of packages worldwide; it set a new standard for workplace culture and customer service. Smith’s equation, “People + Service = Profit,” shaped every level of the company and inspired intense loyalty among employees and clients alike.
His life outside the office was just as impactful. Whether making a cameo in Hollywood’s Castaway or maintaining lasting friendships with sports figures and business rivals, Smith stood out for his commitment to values learned from both adversity and leadership in combat and commerce.
Fred Smith’s Influence on the Track and Beyond
For nearly twenty years, the relationship between FedEx and JGR was personified by Denny Hamlin, who captured 47 Cup wins under the company’s banner. Even when FedEx parted ways with JGR in 2024, the connection ran deep. Looking back, Hamlin noted,
“I got to know so many of the employees, so many of the executives over 20 years. Whether they are going to be on my racecar in the future or not, doesn’t matter, I’m still going to be a part of the purple family,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver, reinforcing the sense of unity that defined this unique partnership.
Over the years, Fred Smith’s commitment to NASCAR went far beyond the boardroom. He consistently showed up at tracks, offering encouragement and guidance—actions that established a culture of respect and trust between sponsor, team, and driver. Both the man and the brand became inseparable with Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11.
There were moments of heartbreak, such as the 2010 championship campaign, when JGR and Hamlin came close but fell short. Throughout successes and setbacks, Smith and his colleagues at FedEx remained steadfast. The enduring sponsorship became one of the most recognizable pairings in motorsports history, with the vibrant FedEx colors becoming almost synonymous with Hamlin and the No. 11 team.
A Somber Pocono Race and Lasting Impact
This weekend’s Pocono Cup race arrives with a mix of nostalgia and loss, especially for Joe Gibbs, Denny Hamlin, and everyone associated with JGR. The No. 11 Toyota takes its place on the grid on a track where Hamlin has tasted victory a record seven times. But this time, the usual anticipation is tinged with a sense of absence—there will be no post-race phone call, no congratulatory message from Fred Smith, whose spirit remains woven into every aspect of JGR’s culture and history. The void left by Smith’s passing is felt by those who counted on his wisdom and support, both on and off the track.
As the green flag waves, the team is reminded that their efforts reach beyond the hunt for points: they race in memory of a visionary leader, a trusted friend, and someone whose influence shaped not just their careers, but the modern NASCAR landscape.
Fred Smith’s impact on business, sports, and personal relationships ripples outward, inspiring those who worked for him, raced for him, or simply admired his resilience. As Joe Gibbs mourns Fred Smith’s impact on JGR, the entire racing community reflects on how shared trust, bold ambition, and steadfast loyalty can fuel victories—both on the track and in life. Looking ahead, Smith’s legacy will continue to inspire not just Joe Gibbs Racing, but anyone who believes that with partnership, vision, and grit, the extraordinary is possible.
