NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin is poised to achieve a significant milestone with his 700th career Cup Series start at the Cracker Barrel 400 in Nashville. However, this achievement is contingent upon personal circumstances, as his fiancée, Jordan Fish, is due to give birth to their third child—a son—on the same day. Hamlin has expressed his commitment to being present for the birth, stating, “I can’t miss it. I certainly got to be there for her, and that’s obviously the biggest priority. I just wish she would hang on a little bit longer” .
In anticipation of this potential scheduling conflict, Joe Gibbs Racing has prepared reserve driver Ryan Truex to step in if necessary. Truex, who has not competed in a Cup Series race since 2014, has been fitted into the No. 11 Toyota Camry and is on standby in Nashville. If Hamlin starts the race and then needs to leave, he will still receive credit for the start and any points earned. Conversely, if Truex starts the race, he will receive the credit, and the car will start from the rear of the field .
Hamlin’s potential absence would mark his first missed Cup Series race since 2014. Despite NASCAR’s stricter playoff waiver policies introduced in 2025, missing a race due to the birth of a child is considered a valid medical exemption. Therefore, Hamlin is expected to receive a waiver, ensuring his playoff eligibility remains intact .
Additionally, Hamlin has opted out of a scheduled Goodyear tire test at Iowa Speedway to prioritize his family commitments. Teammate Chase Briscoe, who secured the pole position for the Nashville race, will take his place in the test .
As the race approaches, Hamlin remains focused on both his professional and personal responsibilities. He reflected on his career, saying, “It feels good to still be as competitive as I was in start one. That’s what I’m most grateful in all of this is, 700 starts later, I can still go out and win this weekend” .
