Nov 8, 2013; Avondale, AZ, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) and owner Joe Gibbs during qualifying for the Advocare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Jun 8, 2026, 10:47 PM CUT

“We Got a 5-Year Deal Ready”: Joe Gibbs Not Ready To Give Up Denny Hamlin As He Talks Retirement

Joe Gibbs made it clear that he isn't even thinking about retiring Denny Hamlin. Instead, it's the exact opposite. He suggested that the team is discussing extending Hamlin's stay with the organization.

When a reporter asked whether Hamlin could be expected to continue beyond the agreed deal, which ends in 2027, Gibbs first joked, “We got a five-year deal ready,” before explaining there was serious thinking behind the comment.

Coach said, “Any athlete that's really performing like that...I've had athletes at different times in football come to me and say, ‘Hey, coach, should I come back?’ And I always give the same advice. I would go as far as you could go when you're still performing. That way, you never look back in life.”

June 7, 2026; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates his win at victory lane following the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images

These remarks have added significance when you glance at Hamlin's form. The No. 11 driver has now tied Kyle Busch on NASCAR's all-time Cup winners list with his 63rd Cup victory at Michigan. After collecting many accolades for JGR, Hamlin remains their most dependable driver.

"So never say never?" the reporter asked. "Never say never. Yeah.That's a good way to put it," replied Gibbs.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hamlin shared his side of philosophy.

“I wanna feel like I do right now in the sense that knowing every Sunday morning, ‘All right, I got a good shot to win today.’ My ego is very paranoid of the downtrend.

Hamlin wants to go when they ask 'why', and not 'why not'.

“Sometimes, you have to leave some on the table,” he added.

Denny Hamlin's unmatched value to Joe Gibbs Racing

Denny Hamlin has developed his entire career with JGR, starting in 2006, making him the longest-tenured active driver in the organization.

In that span, he has delivered 63 Cup Series victories, three Daytona 500 wins (2016, 2019, 2020), multiple Southern 500 victories (2010, 2017, and 2021), a Coca-Cola 600 win in 2022, and 385 top-10s (Cup).

Hamlin enters the week second in the 2026 Cup Series standings with 618 points, just 51 behind leader Tyler Reddick after consecutive victories at Nashville and Michigan.

At Nashville and Michigan, Hamlin started from the pole, was sent to the back, and drove through the entire field to finish first in both races in very similar fashion.

This combination of success and loyalty showcases why Joe Gibbs is willing to stick by Hamlin, and the driver's results surely back up that confidence.

Written by

Uday Jakhar

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason