Kevin Harvick reacts to Denny Hamlin sitting out Mexico City NASCAR race

Denny Hamlin decided to sit out this past weekend’s race in Mexico City, opting to remain stateside to support his fiancee Jordan Fish. The couple just welcomed a son to their family, and the Cup Series veteran thought he’d be better served at home than at the track.

Ryan Truex filled in, and Hamlin will return to the No. 11 Toyota this weekend at Pocono. During the latest episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Hamlin’s former peer in Kevin Harvick reacted to his decision not to get behind the wheel south of the border. 

“That’s a very unique situation, with Denny missing the race,” Harvick proclaimed. “You don’t ever know the details of health, and all of those things that go with mom and baby, so I would hate to criticize that scenario, not knowing all of the details of everything that goes with it. I know it would have to be pretty extreme to miss a race. it would be tough to comment on, without knowing all the details.”

The situation as a whole was made easier for Hamlin due to NASCAR’s waiver policy. Before the race even started in Mexico City, Hamlin’s waiver request was approved, allowing him to focus on his family and return to racing in Pocono, ahead of summer filled with stiff competition. 

“I would never criticize someone putting their family over job,” Harvick’s co-host Mamba Smith added.  “It’s an interesting situation, because you have the waivers, which he already got. So, that’s good, and luckily they have their wins in the bank. It allows you, when you have family situations like this, you can kind of work it out. Everybody is happy with the result. I wish it was a better result for Ryan. I hate that, but he did what he could do.”

While Truex was thrown into an impossible situation, he made the best of it. The 33-year old finished P23 on the road course, which is certainly more than serviceable as a last minute fill-in behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota.

Looking ahead, Hamlin’s return could be a fruitful one. Pocono has been one of his best tracks, and he won there as recently as 2023. Last season, he finished as the runner-up. He’ll be expected to perform once again in Pennsylvania.

All told, Denny Hamlin’s presence was missed in Mexico City. He made the decision for his family though, and Kevin Harvick and company recognizes that’s commendable. Now, he’s ready to get back on the horse at Pocono this weekend.