In NASCAR’s sponsorship history, certain combinations become inseparable in fans’ memories: Jeff Gordon’s rainbow DuPont Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt’s black GM Goodwrench Chevy, and for nearly two decades, Denny Hamlin’s purple and orange FedEx Toyota. When the shipping giant valued at $64.28 billion departed after 2024, ending one of the longest continuous partnerships in modern NASCAR, it left more than just empty space on the No. 11 Toyota—it removed a visual fixture of the sport. Those 54 victories accumulated together, including several Daytona 500 triumphs, made the Hamlin-FedEx combination not just successful but iconic among the sport’s devoted followers.
The divorce marked an uncertain crossroads for the 44-year-old veteran. With 690 career starts and counting, Hamlin faces the reality that his championship window won’t remain open forever, despite his consistent competitiveness. Finding stability in NASCAR’s high-stakes financial landscape became as crucial as finding speed on the track, especially after 2024 partner Mavis Tire & Brakes also departed following a single-season relationship.
But, that’s not the end of the story my friend. Joe Gibbs Racing finally delivered the answer Tuesday evening, unveiling Progressive Insurance as the anchor sponsor for Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE for 18 races in the 2025 season—half of the full NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment as Hamlin seeks to convert his Hall of Fame-worthy statistics into the championship that has thus far eluded him throughout his storied career.
.@Progressive insurance will become an 18-race primary sponsor of @JoeGibbsRacing‘s No. 11 Toyota driven by @DennyHamlin starting this weekend at Homestead-Miami, per the team. pic.twitter.com/ZJS41X3bou
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 18, 2025
“This is a huge deal for our No. 11 team and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Denny Hamlin of the partnership. “We’re really looking forward to having Progressive on board and being able to deliver for them on and off the racetrack. For me, it’s exciting to team up with a brand like Progressive that is so innovative with their marketing and the different ways you seem them activate.”
The sentiment was echoed enthusiastically from Progressive’s side. “When the opportunity arose for us to be a part of the Joe Gibbs Racing family and support renowned NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, we were all in,” said Sean Freeman, Progressive’s Business Leader of Direct Media. “We love JGR’s pursuit of excellence and Hamlin’s proven success on the track. Together, our marketing and their driving styles align well and can’t wait to see the No. 11 in action.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Hamlin, who currently sits 12th in points after five events and has shown championship-caliber speed. He held the lead on the final lap of the Daytona 500 before a crash relegated him to 24th, and more recently, finished second to teammate Christopher Bell in a dramatic photo finish at Phoenix. The Progressive colors will make their debut this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, followed by appearances at NASCAR’s most prestigious venues including Bristol, Talladega, and the championship finale at Phoenix.
When One Door Closes, The NASCAR’s Sponsorship Transitions
Major sponsorship transitions have often marked turning points in drivers’ careers. When Lowe’s departed from Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 after 17 seasons, the seven-time champion’s results notably declined. Similarly, when Miller Brewing Company shifted from Rusty Wallace to Kurt Busch in 2006, it was a tough time for the team.
Hamlin’s situation appears more promising than precarious. The Progressive deal, coupled with the previously announced two-race sponsorship from ampm convenience stores, provides the financial foundation necessary for championship contention. Joe Gibbs Racing’s commitment to securing high-profile partners for their veteran driver signals confidence in Hamlin’s continued ability to perform at NASCAR’s highest level.
For Hamlin, who will surpass 700 career starts at Nashville Superspeedway in June, this partnership might represent his best opportunity yet to finally capture the championship trophy that has narrowly escaped his grasp multiple times. The stability provided by Progressive’s commitment allows the veteran driver to focus squarely on converting those 54 career victories into season-long success when it matters most.
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