Denny Hamlin's Out For Mexico
The three-time Daytona 500 winner will skip NASCAR's biggest race weekend of 2025 after the birth of his son, giving a huge opportunity to replace driver Ryan Truex.
The Morning Warmup
June 13, 2025
Good morning. We’ve got a NASCAR star skipping Mexico City, some controversial statute changes in the FIA and Guenther Steiner’s potential MotoGP interest to discuss. Oh, and we’ll also take a look at everything playing out in Le Mans. Let’s talk racing.
Today’s Top Stories
1) Denny Hamlin to miss Mexico Cup race after birth of his son (NASCAR Cup)
The NASCAR Cup Series is venturing to Mexico for the first time this weekend - but it’ll do so without its most recent race winner.
Denny Hamlin confirmed Thursday that he’ll remain in the United States this weekend, spending time with family after the birth of his son Wednesday.
“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 (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.”
In Hamlin’s place, a familiar last name will take advantage of a top-tier opportunity. Ryan Truex - JGR’s reserve driver and younger brother of former Hamlin teammate Martin Truex Jr. - will pilot the No. 11 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. A three-time Xfinity Series winner, Truex will be making his first Cup start since his partial season effort for BK Racing in 2014.
Hamlin will miss his first Cup race since he suffered a sinus infection that impaired his vision at Auto Club Speedway in 2014, ending a streak of 406-consecutive starts. JGR plans to apply for a playoff waiver to keep Hamlin playoff eligible. The Virginian has three race wins and currently sits third in the regular season standings.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alex Bowman is planning to contest Sunday’s race seven days after he suffered a vicious crash at Michigan International Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports star has been medically cleared to compete after being evaluated for back pain.
Should any issues arise, there is a backup plan for his No. 48 Chevrolet. Simulation driver Anthony Alfredo will be on standby in case Bowman requires relief at any point.
(Source(s): Dustin Long / NBC Sports, Joseph Srigley / TobyChristie.com)
2) FIA changes pass despite loud opposition (F1)
It was another week of controversy for the FIA, but the results of multiple votes indicate that current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s hopes for reelection are trending in the right direction.
Austria’s national motoring club, the OAMTC, denounced Ben Sulayem’s leadership and called for a fight against controversial changes to the statutes of the FIA - ones critics claim will make it harder to challenge the Emirati’s bid for reelection - in a letter sent to the FIA World Motor Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism on Wednesday.
But in the end, amendments were voted in by a margin of 83.35% to 16.65%, with amendments to the ethics code passing with an even higher 88.83% majority.
The OAMTC was hopeful for a postponement to the vote for “proper review and analysis” and had support from representatives of Belgium, Portugal, Sweden and the UK. In the letter, it accused Ben Sulayem of reneging on promises made during his 2021 election campaign and claimed he’s implemented none of the “critical changes” recommended by a review and audit of the company’s governance from McKinsey in 2022.
That’s on the start. From the BBC:
It highlights a series of changes that have eroded accountability at the FIA, including:
Limiting the power of the ethics committee, saying "ethical enquiries can - in effect - be suppressed" because of the concentration of oversight into the hands of the FIA president and president of the senate.
The eradication of the post of compliance office following the sacking of Paolo Basarri from that position last year
Centralising decision-making power with the FIA president and president of the senate
The imposition of contracts that require FIA personnel to pay a €50,000 fine if they breach confidentiality terms, and the power of the leadership on its own to determine whether this should be paid and why "without having a hearing, time frame, right of appeal or any definition of what confidentiality means".
The FIA”s presidential election is slated to take place in December, which means we could be in for more election-related controversy in the months to come. Thus far Ben Sulayem is the only one to declare his intent to run for the position, though rally legend Carlos Sainz has openly contemplated running.
(Source(s): Andrew Benson / BBC)
3) Guenther Steiner admits interest in MotoGP team investment (MotoGP)
Whether you know him from his bite-worthy quotes on “Drive to Survive,” think of his time leading Haas as it launch its program or even remember his NASCAR ties with Red Bull Racing, there’s a good chance you probably recognize Guenther Steiner.
Soon, you might see him in the paddock for MotoGP.
Steiner confirmed he is in discussions to invest in a MotoGP program - a move that could see him become CEO of one of global motorcycle racing’s top programs. The Athletic’s Alex Kalinauckas reported the news Wednesday, confirming intentions that have been reported in recent weeks.
The reports in question have tied the 60-year-old to the Tech3 team, a current partner of KTM that previously spent nearly two decades as a customer Yamaha team. With KTM in a major financial crisis, Tech3 has expressed interest in outside investment.
That includes Steiner, through there’s still ground to close if both sides are going to make it happen.
From The Athletic:
Steiner confirmed the discussions to The Athletic but also insisted a deal was some way off being struck.
“I’ve looked into it, I speak with quite a few people,” Steiner said. “I don’t want to deny it. I mean, I would be stupid to deny it, but no, it’s not done. But I’m working (on it). I always work on projects my whole life and (find) things to do. So, that is one of them because I find (MotoGP) very interesting. Also, a sport which has got a lot of potential to grow because the sport is fabulous — the racing is pretty cool!
“What these guys are doing is bonkers. And I just saw an opportunity. I know a lot of people there and started to work on it. But if it comes to fruition or not, or when, I don’t know.”
Steiner was let go from his role at Haas team boss at the conclusion of the 2023 season, ending an eight-year stint as the program’s first leader. He’s since gone on to release a book while working as a pundit.
His interest in MotoGP comes at a time of change for the sport. Liberty Media, which has already acquired Formula 1, is in the midst of acquiring MotoGP’s promoter, Dorna - a move those involved hope could steer the series into a trajectory that matches F1’s significant growth post-acquisition.
(Source(s): Alex Kalinauckas / The Athletic)
Race Recaps
Well… There aren’t many actual race recaps just yet. But we have some noteworthy updates from Le Mans:
Here we go again. Porsche Penske Motorsport’s No. 6 was disqualified from Wednesday’s Le Mans qualifying session after the team’s car failed to meet minimum weight in post-qualifying technical inspection, leaving the team at the back of the grid for Saturday’s race. (RJ O’Connell / RACER)
The No. 7 team was also knocked out of Hyperpole contention in the opening round. Nyck de Vries explained what went wrong in a poor qualifying effort afterward. (Jamie Klein / Sportscar365)
With some of the heavy hitters struggling, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA’s Alex Lynn led the way in the first qualifying session of the long race week. (Davey Euwema / Sportscar365)
Cadillac kept the good times rolling into the Hyperpole round, locking out the front row with Lynn and Earl Bamber. (Stephen Lickorish / Motorsport)
Prior to qualifying, it was Sebastien Bourdais and JOTA that topped the charts in the opening practice session. (Daily Sportscar)
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s No. 8 team topped the night practice with Robert Kubica. (Stephen Kilbey / RACER)
Mathieu Jaminet and Porsche Penske Motorsport found themselves atop the charts in the third practice - a reprieve amid an otherwise difficult race week thus far. (Daily Sportscar)
Iron Lynx was forced to replace its No. 63 chassis after a crash in FP1. (Davey Euwema / Sportscar365)
Pour one out for Michelle Gatting, who says she suffered a broken foot when the Porsche she was slated to drive was inadvertently dropped on her during Test Day. Ouch. (Stephen Lickorish / Motorsport)
CLX Motorsport took victory in the opening Road to Le Mans race of the weekend, though a penalty denied the company a 1-2 result. (Jamie Klein / Sportscar365)
News and Notes
NASCAR
Supercars ace Cam Waters is eager to head stateside for a NASCAR appearance, but he’s a no-go for now after being linked to a potential Chicago appearance. (Aaron Noonan / V8 Sleuth)
Former BK Racing team owner Ronald Devine has pleaded guilty to failing to pay payroll taxes while operating the Cup Series program. (Nathaniel Puente / WCNC)
In his latest column for Frontstretch, longtime journalist Steve Waid paid homage to Travis Carter.
I thought this was fun: NASCAR.com’s Zach Sturniolo held a Q&A with NASCAR fans over the logistics surrounding the sport’s trip to Mexico on Reddit.
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi wrote about the unique logistical challenge for a Thursday story.
In a timely move, Mexico’s own Daniel Suarez was this week’s guest for the “12 Questions” series. (Jeff Gluck / The Athletic)
Quinn Davis will make her ARCA Menards Series debut on June 11 at Elko Speedway, competing in Rise Motorsports’ No. 31 Toyota. (Mark Kristl / Frontstretch)
Frontstretch is an outlet filled with people chasing a racing dream. But recent financial swings have left the outlet without anyone in Mexico this weekend. The outlet wrote about it in a Wednesday piece.
IndyCar
Looks like a delay is on the way: RACER’s Marshall Pruett reported Thursday that IndyCar is shifting its new chassis and engine from a 2027 debut to 2028.
It’s been a penalty-heavy year in the IndyCar paddock - enough of one that McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says his team needed a “whistleblowing hotline” for times they’re asked to do something that “isn’t right.” (Jack Benyon / The Race)
You might not know the name Dennis Hauger yet. But he’s effectively positioned himself as the Alex Palou of Indy NXT. (Jack Benyon / The Race)
F1
Lance Stroll has been confirmed for a return on his home soil in Canada after missing the Spanish Grand Prix with a wrist injury. (Chris Medland / RACER)
No surprise here: Max Verstappen isn’t planning any changes to his driving style despite the risk of a race ban of penalty points. (Chris Medland / RACER)
Despite the general positivity surrounding this year’s event, F1 has decided against an F175-style group season launch event for 2026. (Filip Cleeren / Motorsport)
Madrid is in. Others are hoping to be on the way. How will F1’s prospective new venues slot into an already-complicated schedule? (Stuart Codling / Motorsport)
Formula 1 teams will be banned from exploiting tire cooling tricks next year after a new shift to the technical regulations. (Jon Noble / The Race)
The F1 movie is on the way soon. Here’s what Jerry Bruckheimer wants you to understand about it. (Scott Mitchell-Malm / The Race)
Sports Cars
Vasser Sullivan will see Ben Barnicoat return to action at Watkins Glen after missing the spring season with a mountain biking injury. (Daily Sportscar)
Staying up during the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a challenge - but less of one for drivers like Jenson Button with kids. (Ben Vinel / Motorsport)
Supercars
Teams in Supercars have thrown support behind the prospect of a separate Asian championship. They just don’t want it to impact the current competition and series strength in Australia and New Zealand. (Stefan Bartholomaeus / Speedcafe)
Supercars has rolled out a new-look, entertainment-heavy schedule for the NTI Townsville 500. (Simon Chapman / Speedcafe)
Short Tracks
Longtime NASCAR announcer Rick Allen is going back to the grassroots, joining the broadcast group for this weekend’s CARS Tour race at Dominion Raceway. (Rob Blount / FloRacing)
Moto
Toprak Razgatlioglu has a huge opportunity ahead in MotoGP. But his move raises some questions. (Matt Beer, Valentin Khorounzhiy & Simon Patterson / The Race)
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On Track
If you’re a major motorsport fan, then the only two words you likely care about this weekend are Le Mans. But we’ve also got NASCAR in Mexico, F1 in Canada and IndyCar under the lights at WWT Raceway.
All Times ET
Friday, June 13
NASCAR
At Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Cup Series Practice: 1:05 p.m., Prime Video/MRN
Xfinity Series Practice: 2:05 p.m., The CW App
Cup Series Practice: 3:00 p.m., Prime Video/MRN
Xfinity Series Practice: 3:30 p.m., The CW App
NASCAR Mexico Series Ricardo Rodriguez 120: 4:30 p.m., NASCAR Mexico Series on YouTube/MRN
F1
At Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
F1 Academy Practice: 11:05 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Formula 1 Free Practice 1: 1:25 p.m., ESPNU/F1 TV
Formula 1 Free Practice 2: 4:55 p.m., ESPNU/F1 TV
F1 Academy Qualifying: 6:30 p.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Dirt
Major Events
ASCoC NAPA OH Speedweek (Attica Raceway Park): 6:15 p.m., FloRacing
Lucas Oil Late Models (Smoky Mountain Speedway): 6:45 p.m., FloRacing
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars (Knoxville Raceway): 7:15 p.m., DirtVision
DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models (Tri-City Speedway): 7:15 p.m., DirtVision
American Sprint Car Series (Creek County Speedway): 7:15 p.m., DirtVision
USAC Salute to Levi Jones (Red Hill Raceway): 7:30 p.m., FloRacing
Other Offerings
Mr. Sportsman (Autodrome Granby): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
IRA Sprints (Jacksonville Speedway): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Utica-Rome Speedway): 6:45 p.m., FloRacing
Appalachian LM Speedwell (Bedford Fairgrounds Speedway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Williams Grove Speedway): 7:00 p.m., DirtVision
Weekly Racing (Jacksonville Speedway): 7:15 p.m., DirtVision
IMCA Weekly Racing (Marshalltown Speedway): 7:30 p.m., FloRacing
NARC 410 Sprints (Cottage Grove Speedway): 8:30 p.m., FloRacing
Short Tracks
SK Modified 80 (Stafford Motor Speedway): 5:30 p.m., FloRacing
Father’s Day 150 (Riverside Speedway): 7:00 p.m., Racing America
Diamond Cup (Meridian Speedway): 8:15 p.m., FloRacing
Allen Turner Pro Late Models (Five Flags Speedway): 9:00 p.m., Racing America
Drag Racing
PDRA North vs. South Shootout (Maryland International Raceway): 5:00 p.m., FloRacing
Saturday, June 14
NASCAR
At Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Xfinity Series Qualifying: 10:30 a.m., The CW App
Cup Series Qualifying: Noon, Prime Video/MRN
NASCAR Mexico Series Pedro Rodriguez 100: 1:45 p.m., NASCAR Mexico Series on YouTube/MRN
Xfinity Series The Chilango 150: 4:30 p.m., The CW/MRN
At Kern Raceway
ARCA Menards Series West : 9:45 p.m., FloRacing
F1
At Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
F1 Academy Race 1: 9:15 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Formula 1 Free Practice 3: 12:25 p.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
F1 Academy Race 2: 2:50 p.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Formula 1 Qualifying: 3:55 p.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
IndyCar
At World Wide Technology Raceway
IndyCar Practice : 11:30 a.m., FS1
IndyCar Qualifying: 3:00 p.m., FS1
IndyCar High Line & Final Practice: 5:30 p.m., FS2
Sports Cars
At Circuit de la Sarthe
FIA World Endurance Championship Warmup: 5:45 a.m., Max
24 Hours of Le Mans: 9:00 a.m., Max
Dirt
Major Races
ASCoC NAPA OH Speedweek (Sharon Speedway): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models (Fairbury Speedway): 6:30 p.m., DirtVision
Lucas Oil Late Models (Smoky Mountain Speedway): 6:45 p.m., FloRacing
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars (Knoxville Raceway): 7:15 p.m., DirtVision
American Sprint Car Series (Tri-State (OK) Speedway): 7:45 p.m., DirtVision
Other Offerings
Weekly Racing (Fonda Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Volusia Speedway Park): 6:00 p.m., DirtVision
Weekly Racing (Millbridge Speedway): 6:15 p.m., DirtVision
Weekly Racing (Land of Legends Raceway): 6:15 p.m., DirtVision
IRA Sprints (Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
Appalachian LM Speedweek (Lincoln Speedway): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Port Royal Speedway): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
NARC 410 Sprints (Willamette Speedway): 8:00 p.m., FloRacing
USAC WS Midgets (Ventura Raceway): 8:30 p.m., FloRacing
Short Tracks
Major Races
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (Riverhead Raceway): 4:40 p.m., FloRacing
CARS Tour (Dominion Raceway): 5:00 p.m., FloRacing
USAC Silver Crown (WWT Raceway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
NASCAR Weekly Races
Jennerstown Speedway: 6:20 p.m., FloRacing
Langley Speedway: 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Bowman Gray Stadium: 7:45 p.m., FloRacing
Berlin Raceway: 8:45 p.m., FloRacing
Other Offerings
Pro Stock 100 (Wiscasset Speedway): 5:00 p.m., Racing America
Supermodifieds (Oswego Speedway): 5:15 p.m., FloRacing
Race of Champions Sportsman Modifieds (The Bullring at Wyoming County): 6:00 p.m., Racing America
UARA Sportsman Series (Auburndale Speedway): 6:00 p.m., Racing America
Outlaw Late Models & Modifieds (Midvale Speedway): 7:00 p.m., Racing America
CRA Street Stocks (Anderson Speedway): 7:30 p.m., Racing America
Diamond Cup (Meridian Speedway): 8:15 p.m., FloRacing
APC United Late Model Series (Peterborough Speedway): TBD, Racing America
Drag Racing
PDRA North vs. South Shootout (Maryland International Raceway): 5:00 p.m., FloRacing
Sunday, June 15
NASCAR
At Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Cup Series Viva Mexico 250: 3:00 p.m., Prime Video/MRN
IndyCar
At World Wide Technology Raceway
IndyCar Bommarito Automotive Group 500: 8:00 p.m., FOX
F1
At Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
F1 Academy Race 3: 10:55 a.m., ESPN+ /F1 TV
Formula 1 Pirelli Canadian Grand Prix: 12:30 p.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Dirt
Major Races
NAPA OH Speedweek (Millstream Speedway): 5:00 p.m., FloRacing
Short Track Super Series (Devil’s Bowl Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models (Sycamore Speedway): 7:15 p.m., DirtVision
Other Offerings
Appalachian LM Speedweek (Bridgeport Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Huset’s Speedway): 7:25 p.m., DirtVision
NARC 410 Sprints (Grays Harbor Raceway): 8:00 p.m., FloRacing
Short Tracks
Major Races
PASS Late Models (Star Speedway): 1:30 p.m., Racing America
Other Offerings
NASCAR Youth Series (Garden State Quarter Midget): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Number of the Day: 13
Denny Hamlin’s longevity in NASCAR’s top series is something that should be celebrated. The Virginian has earned 13 Cup wins since his 40th birthday in 2020, including victories in the Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500 and Bristol Night Race. In the past 25 years, only Matt Kenseth (17) and Kevin Harvick (29) have been more successful so late in their careers. Hamlin’s early success means he’s already ahead of Kenseth on the all-time wins list. He sits three victories behind Harvick (60).