After a lot hypothesis and delay, the three-time Daytona 500 winner has lastly agreed to a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). He is additionally a three-time winner of the Southern 500 at Darlington, in addition to the 2022 Coke 600 winner at Charlotte.
It appeared that negotiations have been being difficult by 23XI Racing, a group co-owned by Hamlin and one which presently has a technical alliance with JGR. Hamlin spoke on that final month at Watkins Glen. Hamlin confirmed on his podcast this week that the connection between 23XI and JGR will stay unchanged.
”It’s wonderful to suppose it has been virtually 20 years since J.D. (Gibbs) first noticed him race and we signed him to that first contract,” stated Joe Gibbs, proprietor and founding father of JGR. ”He has been a giant a part of Joe Gibbs Racing ever since then and we sit up for that persevering with for years to come back.”
Hamlin has spent the whole thing of his Cup profession with Gibbs, which started in 2005. He has began almost 650 races, successful 50 instances. He’s tied with NASCAR Corridor of Famer Junior Johnson because the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup historical past with out a driver’s title. His greatest outcome got here in 2010, putting second within the championship standings.
”Joe Gibbs Racing has been my house for nearly 20 years now,” stated Hamlin in a launch from the group. ”My relationship with Joe (Gibbs), my group, and everybody at JGR means loads to me. We’ve achieved a lot collectively through the years. I’m excited to lastly announce this so we are able to put all our give attention to chasing the championship.”
Coach Gibbs joined Hamlin on his podcast, Actions Detrimental, to debate the information. He stated Hamlin’s return “actually helps us as a result of it solidifies the place we’re going for the following a number of years to come back.”
Hamlin is presently competing within the NASCAR Cup Collection playoffs for the seventeenth time in his profession, having received two races to date this yr. He is made it so far as the Championship 4 in 4 of the final 9 years.
Earlier this yr, Hamlin’s team-mate and 2017 NASCAR Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. revealed that he’ll return in 2024, and can proceed driving the No. 19 JGR Toyota Camry.
