Hamlin misses race in Mexico due to birth of son

Denny Hamlin will not participate in the Viva Mexico 250 this Sunday at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The driver of the #11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing announced the birth of his third child and will remain with his family in the coming days.

First absence since 2014 for medical reasons

The last time Hamlin missed a Cup race was in March 2014 at Auto Club Speedway due to health issues. His absence in Mexico ends a 10-year streak of competing in every scheduled race.

My top priority is being here at home with Jordan and our family over the next few days when I can come home and we make the transition to life as a family of five

JGR to apply for waiver to preserve points

Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed they will request a waiver from NASCAR so Hamlin can keep his 18 playoff points and postseason eligibility. The 44-year-old driver has three wins in 2025, including his recent victory at Michigan International Speedway.

At Michigan, Hamlin executed a comeback from 11th place in the final 20 laps to beat Chris Buescher by 1.099 seconds. William Byron, who led 98 laps, ran out of fuel on the final lap.

Truex returns to Cup after a decade

Ryan Truex will substitute for Hamlin in the #11, marking his first Cup Series start since 2014. The younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. has three wins in Xfinity Series and raced 11 events in that series during 2024.

Truex participated in the 2025 Xfinity Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, preparing for this unexpected opportunity in NASCAR's top series.

Mexico hosts first international race since 1958

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will host the first points-paying Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958. Broadcast will be exclusive to Prime Video, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR included childbirth among the circumstances that allow a driver to maintain points and eligibility despite missing a race, as established before the season began.