Hamlin signs contract extension with Gibbs

Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing are primed to continue their winning ways for another few years.

Hamlin, 44, has signed a multiyear contract extension with Gibbs that will keep him in the No. 11 Toyota for the forseeable future. The exact length of the contract and its terms were not disclosed.

“Joe and everyone at JGR are family to me and have done so much for me over the last 20 years,” Hamlin said. “We’ve had a solid start to this season and we have been able to welcome some great new partners this year, so there are a lot of exciting things happening with our team not only now, but also into the future.”

The news comes on the heels of Hamlin’s fourth Cup Series win of the season at Dover Motor Speedway. Hamlin leads the series in victories.

Gibbs is the only team owner Hamlin has driven for in his NASCAR Cup Series career since making his debut in 2005 and beginning his first full season in 2006. Hamlin is the longest-tenured driver in the team’s history (706 starts and counting). He’s won 58 races in the Cup Series (with only one winless season to date), including three in the Daytona 500, three in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, and a Coca-Cola 600 victory.

Hamlin will make his 17th start in the Brickyard 400 on Sunday afternoon. It is the only crown jewel race he has yet to win.

“I really appreciate Denny and everything he has meant to our organization,” Joe Gibbs said. “It is just really special when you think about everything we’ve experienced over the past 20 years, from that first moment when J.D. [Gibbs] recognized his talent at a test session, until now. It is remarkable in any sport to compete at the level Denny has for this long and we are thrilled he has been able to spend his entire career with us.”