Hamlin to miss Mexico race

Denny Hamlin will not compete in Sunday’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City following the birth of his son.

Ryan Truex will drive the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in Hamlin’s place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez course. Truex, the younger brother of former Gibbs driver and Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., is the reserve driver for the company. He also does their simulator work. Sunday will be Truex’s first start in the series since 2014.

Truex has been on standby for Hamlin and with the race team for the last few weeks. He has been in the Gibbs program the last few seasons, which includes driving one of its Xfinity Series cars on a part-time basis.

Hamlin’s son was born on Wednesday, June 11.

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“We are happy to announce the birth of our son,” Hamlin said. “Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for [fiancee] 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.”

Gibbs will apply for a waiver from NASCAR so that Hamlin can remain playoff eligible. The birth of a child is listed as an acceptable reason to miss a race without forfeiting playoff points. Hamlin has three wins through the first 15 races of the season and is third in the championship points standings after last weekend’s race in Michigan.

The last Cup Series race Hamlin was not in the field for was in the spring of 2014 at Auto Club Speedway. Hamlin was not cleared to race because of a sinus infection that was causing vision problems.