Denny Hamlin inks new NASCAR partnership on eve of 2026 Cup Series opener

NASCAR will finally [hopefully] get its 2026 Cup Series season under way today (Wednesday) with Denny Hamlin once again be center stage.

The 45-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing star will head into action in the Clash at icy Bowman Gray Stadium (6pm ET, FOX) having signed a major new partnership for the upcoming campaign.

On the eve of the now twice-rescheduled race in North Carolina, Hamlin announced that he has a new primary sponsor of his No 11. Toyota for 12 races in 2026.

Denny confirms National Debt Relief deal

He confirmed that National Debt Relief - which backed his car for four races in 2025 - is re-upping its commitment in 2026, beginning with the Daytona 500 on February 15.

National Debt Relief will also have its colors on Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing car for races at Atlanta Motor Speedway (February 22), Circuit of the Americas (March 1), Bristol Motor Speedway (April 12), Kansas Speedway (April 19), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24), Michigan International Speedway (June 7), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (August 23), Bristol Motor Speedway (September 19), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (October 4) and Talladega Superspeedway (October 25).

Hamlin reacts to new partnership

“National Debt Relief is a great partner for our No. 11 team,” said Hamlin after sealing the deal.

“Last year, their team was incredible with how they became engrained with Joe Gibbs Racing and how they activated with the commercial spot and during the broadcasts, which grew awareness that National Debt Relief is a brand consumers can trust to help them find a faster path to debt freedom.

“I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow this partnership and get them to victory lane in 2026."

Alex Kleyner, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, National Debt Relief, said: “We’re pleased to expand this valuable partnership with NASCAR, Joe Gibbs Racing and Denny Hamlin, and increase our presence with this team.

“The expansion of this partnership allows us to reach and help so many Americans who are burdened by overwhelming unsecured debt.

“We want any fan watching Denny race this year to know that debt doesn’t have to continue to burden them, relief may be just a pit stop away, and help is available to get their financial lives back on track.”

Denny coming off a tumultuous 2025

Hamlin is coming off a 2025 season which saw him reach 60 Cup Series race wins, but also agonizingly miss out on that elusive first Championship title as Kyle Larson pipped him right at the end in Phoenix in November.

Denny is also still dealing with the aftermath of the tragic house fire in December which claimed the life of his father Dennis and left his mother Mary Lou battling serious injuries.