Hamlin Out for Mexico Race; Truex Substitutes

Denny Hamlin will miss NASCAR's inaugural Mexico City Cup Series race to remain in North Carolina with his fiancée Jordan Fish and their newborn son, marking his first Cup race absence since 2014 and ending a 406-race streak. Ryan Truex, reserve driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and Martin Truex Jr.'s younger brother, will substitute in the No. 11 car for his first Cup start in over a decade. Hamlin, third in the standings with three wins this season, will have his playoff waiver granted by NASCAR for paternity reasons, ensuring his continued playoff eligibility. The event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is NASCAR's first international points race since 1958. Hamlin expressed gratitude to his team and fans, emphasizing his family's importance during this time. He is expected to return for the next race at Pocono.