Denny Hamlin posts "thank you" video for longtime sponsor ahead of uncertain future

Denny Hamlin took to social media prior to Sunday's Cup Series season finale at the Phoenix Raceway to share a "thank you" video dedicated to his longtime primary sponsor, FedEx. While an official announcement hasn't been made by Joe Gibbs Racing, the driver of the #11 car confirmed after Sunday's race that the sponsor won't be back next year.

FOX Sports racing insider Bob Pockrass was asked by a race fan on X about the video and whether or not FedEx would return next season. Pockrass responded by writing:

"Denny Hamlin posted on IG a “thank you” video to FedEx that would indicate the company won’t sponsor him at JGR next year. Team has not announced anything but it appears likely FedEx won’t be back."

The video was a montage of highlights of Hamlin's ups and downs while driving the FedEx car. The Virginia native's voice can be heard over the video saying:

"Thank you, FedEx, for being there from the start. At all the wins and all the losses. Thank you, FedEx, for letting me be me, for always making a difference, for helping make this kid from Virginia's dreams come true. Thank you, FedEx, for everything."

There wasn't a formal announcement by Hamlin or JGR that FedEx was leaving after 2024. However, after the 43-year-old wheeled his way to an 11th-place finish at Phoenix, he confirmed it marked the last race for the sponsor in a post-race interview with Pockrass.

"Such a great relationship," Hamlin said. "You'd say at the very beginning, would you take 19 years in a row with the presence they've had? Absolutely. They've been part of my racing career, the whole thing in Cup. Really happy to be able to represent them and all their employees."

When asked about sponsorship for 2025, the 54-time Cup Series winner said it's a work in progress and that JGR has had quality talks with partners for next year. Hamlin added:

"We'll see what goes on next year. Obviously, we've got some great partners that have been with the team for quite some time now that you'll see some presence with."

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Denny Hamlin failed to make the Championship 4 for a third straight season

A first Cup Series championship still eludes Denny Hamlin as he failed to clinch a spot in the Championship 4 for the third straight year. The driver of the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota finished eighth at Las Vegas, third at Homestead-Miami, and fifth at Martinsville in the Round of 8, but it wasn't enough to secure a spot in the title race.

Hamlin still had a quality season as he won three races at Bristol, Richmond, and Dover. He posted 12 top-five finishes and finished eighth in the final standings.