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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Walter G Arce Sr/ASP via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Racing

Denny Hamlin out for Mexico City race, JGR to request waiver

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Denny Hamlin will not compete in this weekend's inaugural Cup Series race in Mexico City after the birth of his and Jordan Fish's first son.

Joe Gibbs Racing announced the news on June 12. The team said that Hamlin welcomed his son on Wednesday, June 11, and that they support his decision to miss the road course race weekend.

As a result, Joe Gibbs Racing reserve driver Ryan Truex will step into action. He will drive the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE this weekend while making his first Cup Series start since 2014 at Chicagoland Speedway.

"We are happy to announce the birth of our son," Hamlin said in a statement. "Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.

"I appreciate everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, our partners, and our fans for the support over the last few weeks and I look forward to being back at the track next weekend in Pocono."

This marks the first time since the 2014 season -- when Hamlin had a small piece of metal in his eye -- that he will miss a race at the top level of NASCAR.

The expectation is that NASCAR will approve the waiver request. The Rule Book has specific language surrounding missing races and remaining eligible for the playoffs. This absence will likely be considered a medical reason, and as such, Hamlin should avoid losing his playoff points.

"If a driver does not start and attempt to complete a Race and wishes to remain eligible for the Playoffs, that driver must request a Playoff waiver via the Playoff Waiver Request," the Rule Book, Section 12.4.2.1, states.

"If a Playoff waiver is granted for anything other than a medical reason or age restriction, the driver will forfeit all current and future Playoff Points earned prior to the start of the Playoffs. NASCAR's decision to grant or decline a Playoff waiver request and subsequent loss of Playoff Points is final and non-appealable."