With new driver Matt Kenseth apparently on the way, Joe Gibbs Racing is close to locking up one of its current stars.
Denny Hamlin, who has two wins this year, is close to signing a contract extension with Gibbs and sponsor FedEx, USA Today reported.
"I think I'm up at the end of next year, but I know where my future is, and that's at Gibbs,"Hamlin told USA Today on Wednesday. "FedEx knows who they want driving their car. We typically try to do our deals together as a partnership, because that's what it is between the three of us. As long as FedEx likes me, I know I want to be with Gibbs.
"I think it'll be done within a week. Everything but the ink on the paper is pretty much done. Everything is pretty much locked in, and we know where we're going to be for the foreseeable future."
Hamlin has been sponsored by FedEx since he entered the Sprint Cup Series with Gibbs in 2006. He has 19 career victories and has made the Chase every season. He finished a career-high second in the standings in 2010, taking the points lead into the season finale.
JGR president J.D. Gibbs told Sporting News on Wednesday that Hamlin is a good fit with the sponsor and organization.
Denny Hamlin loves driving the FedEx car, and he also loves racing for Joe Gibbs. (AP Photo)
“FedEx, they really use the sport well and it's real valuable,” Gibbs said. “They track it. They see the value there. For us, Denny just does a good job on the track and off the track. … We really feel like (we’re) a good fit.”
Hamlin said he’s fortunate to have the opportunity to re-sign with FedEx.
"My relationship with FedEx has been amazing," Hamlin told USA Today. "I'm very, very blessed, and I never take it for granted how good of a sponsor I have, especially as economically tight as sponsorship is now.
"Just look at all the championship drivers having trouble getting sponsorship and filling sponsorship for their racecars. It has been good to be branded as the FedEx guy. As long as I can keep the sponsor happy, I feel I have a job in the sport for years to come."
Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, does not have full sponsorship for his cars this season. He announced Tuesday that he is leaving Roush Fenway Racing after this season. Multiple reports have him joining Gibbs next season, though neither Gibbs nor Kenseth have officially confirmed that.
Denny Hamlin, who has two wins this year, is close to signing a contract extension with Gibbs and sponsor FedEx, USA Today reported.
"I think I'm up at the end of next year, but I know where my future is, and that's at Gibbs,"Hamlin told USA Today on Wednesday. "FedEx knows who they want driving their car. We typically try to do our deals together as a partnership, because that's what it is between the three of us. As long as FedEx likes me, I know I want to be with Gibbs.
"I think it'll be done within a week. Everything but the ink on the paper is pretty much done. Everything is pretty much locked in, and we know where we're going to be for the foreseeable future."
Hamlin has been sponsored by FedEx since he entered the Sprint Cup Series with Gibbs in 2006. He has 19 career victories and has made the Chase every season. He finished a career-high second in the standings in 2010, taking the points lead into the season finale.
JGR president J.D. Gibbs told Sporting News on Wednesday that Hamlin is a good fit with the sponsor and organization.
Denny Hamlin loves driving the FedEx car, and he also loves racing for Joe Gibbs. (AP Photo)
“FedEx, they really use the sport well and it's real valuable,” Gibbs said. “They track it. They see the value there. For us, Denny just does a good job on the track and off the track. … We really feel like (we’re) a good fit.”
Hamlin said he’s fortunate to have the opportunity to re-sign with FedEx.
"My relationship with FedEx has been amazing," Hamlin told USA Today. "I'm very, very blessed, and I never take it for granted how good of a sponsor I have, especially as economically tight as sponsorship is now.
"Just look at all the championship drivers having trouble getting sponsorship and filling sponsorship for their racecars. It has been good to be branded as the FedEx guy. As long as I can keep the sponsor happy, I feel I have a job in the sport for years to come."
Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, does not have full sponsorship for his cars this season. He announced Tuesday that he is leaving Roush Fenway Racing after this season. Multiple reports have him joining Gibbs next season, though neither Gibbs nor Kenseth have officially confirmed that.
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