Denny Hamlin, who won the NASCAR Cup series race at Michigan International Speedway last Sunday, will not compete this weekend in Mexico City due to the birth of his third child and first son on Wednesday.
Hamlin will stay in North Carolina with his fiancee Jordan Fish, two daughters and baby son. Ryan Truex will drive in his stead.
“See you guys in Pocono,” Hamlin posted on social media. “We are happy to announce the birth of our son. Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.”
Fish was nearly two weeks past her due date and Hamlin was prepared to abandon the Michigan race if she went into labor. But the call never came and the veteran posted his third victory of the season and 57th of his career. He became the all-time wins leader for Joe Gibbs Racing, breaking a tie with Kyle Busch.
Hamlin currently ranks third in the Cup Series standings after 15 races. His streak of getting behind the wheel in 406 consecutive races — which dates back to 2014 — will come to an end in Mexico City.
NASCAR is expected to grant Hamlin a waiver so he can compete in the playoffs for the Cup Series Championship.
Truex is Gibbs’ reserve driver and will compete in a Cup series event for the first time since 2014.
–Field Level Media
