Dale Earnhardt Jr. Declares Denny Hamlin “Made a Great Decision” by Skipping Mexico Cup Race for his newborn

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes that Denny Hamlin made an 'awesome' decision skipping Mexico Cup Race and prioritizing family.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Declares Denny Hamlin “Made a Great Decision” by Skipping Mexico Cup Race for his newborn

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

Denny Hamlin had to miss out on NASCAR’s first points entry in Mexico with the Mexico City race due to prioritizing his family. The JGR veteran recently became a father of three with the birth of his first son. Hamlin not only missed the race but also crucial points, which would’ve helped him stay at the top of the table. Now, the Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals that the 44-year-old made the right decision, missing the race despite seemingly being at a loss.

The Viva Mexico 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit was full of challenges and problems for the drivers and the teams. The major problem was regarding logistics, as many people feared missing out on the event due to delayed travel. Moreover, the rain-laden circuit meant that it was very hard to overtake and emerge victorious. This was also evident from Shane van Gisbergen‘s victory with a lead of over 16.5 seconds.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. now reveals that Denny Hamlin made the right call, missing the race and staying at home. The Hall of Famer pointed out that, considering all circumstances, it was sensible of Hamlin to prioritize taking care of his fiancée. Earnhardt Jr. believes that this decision from the JGR veteran was ‘awesome’ as the former reiterated that he made a great decision concerning his family.

You gotta make that call considering all circumstances involved and they have two girls in the house, you got a third [on the way], mom’s gonna need a couple of days. Denny wanted to be home — I thought that was awesome. … I thought it was a great decision.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said on Dale Jr Download.

Dale Jr. asserted that NASCAR was heading towards a completely new era of drivers as they now prioritized family and personal relations before racing. The Hall of Famer recalled how drivers would race despite having broken necks, concussions, and even missing their children’s graduation for just the sake of showing up. However, the 50-year-old notes that times are different now as the drivers have the opportunity to make the decision.

There’s two NASCARS. There’s the old NASCAR where you drove with a broken neck, you raced with obvious concussions and you missed high school graduations of your kids. You missed all of the milestones, all the moments. But that’s the old NASCAR, and that’s not how we do it anymore. We’re in a new day and time where if you’ve got something you wanna be home for, you’ve got the opportunity to make that decision

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals the ‘only condition’ where Denny Hamlin could have raced

Denny Hamlin had clearly specified that, due to spending time with his family, he would miss out on the event. Moreover, missing a road course racing wouldn’t be too shameful for Hamlin, as the sport is more associated with racing around the short Ovals. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes that if the race were at a different venue, the JGR Veteran wouldn’t miss it for anything.

Denny Hamlin (via Getty)
Denny Hamlin (via Getty)

Darlington is one of the most favorite tracks for Denny Hamlin, apparent by his great success around the track. The 44-year-old even won the Goodyear 400 at Darlington this year, as he aims to replicate the success in the coming races.

Hence, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals that if the event were at Darlington, the father of three wouldn’t miss the race and would try his best to show up. The Mexican race being overseas was yet another reason for Hamlin to want to miss the event and stay with his wife.

I think if it was at Darlington, he would have ran the race, flew in and drove the fu*king car.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. noted.

Regardless of missing one race, Denny Hamlin has already locked in his position for the playoffs. The 44-year-old is now looking forward to the upcoming race in Pocono as he cherishes the time spent with family over the break. Now, the JGR veteran has to work hard and achieve a great comeback on the track and continue his winning streak after winning in Michigan.

Read More: Kyle Petty Slams “Complainers and Whiners” over Mexico City Cup Race Criticism