NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin made the difficult decision to skip the Viva Mexico 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City in order to focus on his growing family. Having recently welcomed his first son, Hamlin chose to stay home rather than compete in the series’ inaugural Mexico points race, a choice that resulted in missing vital championship points. Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly supported Hamlin’s decision, emphasizing the importance of family over racing.
The Mexico City race presented several challenges, particularly logistical issues as many drivers and teams faced difficulties arriving on time. Weather conditions added to the obstacles, with rain making the course slippery and overtaking nearly impossible. Shane van Gisbergen took advantage of these conditions to claim a commanding victory with a lead exceeding 16 seconds, while Hamlin’s absence marked a significant moment in the season.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Commends Hamlin’s Focus on Family Needs
Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised Denny Hamlin for placing his family’s needs above racing pressures. Acknowledging that Hamlin’s fiancée was expecting their third child and motherly care was essential in the early days, Earnhardt highlighted the maturity and wisdom in Hamlin’s choice to stay home. According to Earnhardt, such decisions demonstrate how the sport and its athletes are evolving to embrace personal priorities alongside professional ambitions.
“You gotta make that call considering all circumstances involved and they have two girls in the house, you got a third [on the way], mom’s gonna need a couple of days. Denny wanted to be home — I thought that was awesome. … I thought it was a great decision.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., on Dale Jr Download
Reflecting on the past, Earnhardt Jr. contrasted today’s drivers with earlier generations who often raced despite serious injuries or personal sacrifices such as missing their children’s milestones. He pointed out that modern NASCAR drivers have more autonomy to balance family and career demands responsibly.
“There’s two NASCARS. There’s the old NASCAR where you drove with a broken neck, you raced with obvious concussions and you missed high school graduations of your kids. You missed all of the milestones, all the moments. But that’s the old NASCAR, and that’s not how we do it anymore. We’re in a new day and time where if you’ve got something you wanna be home for, you’ve got the opportunity to make that decision.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Why Hamlin’s Absence from Mexico Race Reflects a Shift in Racing Culture
Denny Hamlin’s decision to skip a crucial race to be with family symbolizes a broader cultural change within NASCAR. Where the sport was once defined by relentless toughness and prioritization of competition, today’s drivers often weigh personal and family commitments more heavily. Hamlin’s choice underscores this evolution and challenges the previous mindset that competitiveness always comes before all else.
Despite missing the Mexico event and losing potential points that could have affected his standing, Hamlin remains focused on the bigger picture—his overall playoff position and long-term success. The JGR veteran is already turning his attention toward upcoming races, including one at Pocono, aiming to maintain his strong performance after a recent win in Michigan.
Earnhardt Jr. Specifies When Hamlin Would Have Raced Regardless
While Hamlin opted out of the Mexico City race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed there was a particular situation where Hamlin’s presence on the track would have been unavoidable. Earnhardt Jr. noted Hamlin’s affection for the Darlington Raceway, a track where the driver has enjoyed considerable success, including a recent victory at the Goodyear 400. Had the event taken place there instead, Hamlin would have found a way to compete despite the demands of his family.
Earnhardt emphasized that the overseas location of the Mexican race made the decision easier for Hamlin to stay home. The added complications of travel and the physical distance from family reinforced his choice to prioritize being present for his wife and new son.
“I think if it was at Darlington, he would have ran the race, flew in and drove the fu*king car.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Looking Ahead: Hamlin’s Focus on Family and Racing
Although Hamlin missed an important race, his playoff position remains secure, giving him some breathing room as the season progresses. The brief break allowed him to spend valuable time with his family during a critical personal milestone. Moving forward, Hamlin will be expected to intensify his efforts on the track to stay competitive and build on recent successes.
With a renewed focus and support from fans and peers alike, Hamlin serves as an example of balancing professional dedication with family commitments, highlighting how NASCAR continues to adapt to the changing priorities of its athletes.