"Joe Gibbs Racing wants winners": Denny Hamlin hints about Martin Truex Jr.'s replacement for the #19 team

Veteran Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin provided insights into the team's driver recruitment process following Martin Truex Jr.'s retirement announcement. He also dropped hints about the potential suitors for the #19 seat.

Truex Jr.'s retirement from full-time Cup Series competition has opened up a coveted seat at Joe Gibbs Racing for 2025 and beyond. Hamlin shed light on Coach Gibbs' recruitment criteria, suggesting that the team owner is seeking drivers with a proven track record of winning.

Denny Hamlin explained that Gibbs tries to recruit the best available driver first and addresses sponsorship concerns later. He claimed that the team owner's philosophy centers on providing competitive race cars to his drivers to win races.

"They try to find what’s best fit for them. Joe Gibbs Racing wants winners. They certainly probably lean a little bit more on the side of just 'Get me the best driver available.' And put him in our equipment and he’ll go win. And then they figure out the sponsorship stuff second," Hamlin said on Actions Detrimental.

Denny Hamlin added that he doesn't have a huge role in it, and doesn't have much knowledge about potential replacements. However, he mentioned Stewart-Haas Racing drivers and promising young talents from the Xfinity Series as potential candidates to fill Martin Truex Jr.'s seat.

"I think that when you look at the opportunities and the possibilities to go in that 19 car, there’s a lot of good Stewart-Haas drivers available. There’s a lot of young prospects in Xfinity that are available. I think they’ll get their pick of the litter because it is a ride that is very coveted," Hamlin said.

Chase Briscoe is rumored to be the leading candidate to fill the shoes of Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing. The #14 SHR Ford driver has one Cup race victory on his resume and an ARCA championship.

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Denny Hamlin believes Martin Truex Jr. can end his career with a second Cup title

While many NASCAR drivers struggle in the twilight of their careers, few end their careers being competitive in their final season. Denny Hamlin believes Martin Truex Jr. has the potential to clinch his second Cup title this season before retiring from full-time racing.

Having graduated to the Cup Series in the same year (2006), Hamlin spoke about his teammate in high regard, calling him the "barometer of performance." He believes the 43-year-old can win the championship before retiring from the sport.

"We were part of the same rookie class and he was the barometer of performance. I definitely am happy for Martin and it's certainly one of those drivers that you think has a chance to win a championship and then peace out. Like he's still on top of his game enough to do it," Hamlin said on his podcast.

After 17 rounds in the season, Denny Hamlin occupies third place in the regular season standings, with Martin Truex Jr. dropping down to fifth in recent weeks. Both drivers are still in the hunt for the regular season championship and the 2024 season title.