Denny Hamlin
FILE - Daniel Suarez stands next to his car before a NASCAR cup series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. in this Monday, June 10, 2019, file photo. New NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing has brought entertainer Pitbull on as an ownership partner for an organization making its debut next month at the Daytona 500. Trackhouse was launched late last year by former driver Justin Marks. The team has hired driver Daniel Suarez. It will not be NASCAR’s first pairing of a Hispanic driver and team owner. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Mr. WorldWide to NASCAR: Pitbull joins Trackhouse ownership

By Jenna Fryer Jan. 15, 2021 01:24 PM EST

FILE - Naomi Osaka, of Japan, wears a protective mask due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, featuring the name "George Floyd", while arriving on court to face Shelby Rogers, of the United States, during the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, in this Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, file photo. In a most unusual year already thrown into chaos by the coronavirus pandemic, many athletes took unprecedented steps when a nationwide reckoning on race spilled into the streets of American cities after the killing of Floyd, a Black man, while in Minneapolis police custody. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
Athletes act: Stars rise up against racial injustice in 2020

By Cliff Brunt Dec. 29, 2020 01:41 PM EST

23XI Racing fully funded for debut season with Bubba Wallace

By Jenna Fryer Dec. 14, 2020 12:58 PM EST
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — 23XI Racing announced a full slate of sponsorship Monday to back the new NASCAR team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. ...

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, driver B.J. McLeod, waits to get into their cars before qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race in Dover, Del. NASCAR will have another new team in 2021 — bringing the total to three new ownership groups in the Cup Series — with the formation of Live Fast Motorsports. The team formally announced Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, is owned by drivers Matt Tifft and B.J. McLeod. (AP Photo/Brien Aho, File)
Live Fast Motorsports becomes 3rd new NASCAR team for 2021

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 20, 2020 02:13 PM EST

Jimmie Johnson (48) pulls up next to Chase Elliott (9) in Turn 4 following Elliott's season championship victory in the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Column: NASCAR closes stabilized, and energized by Elliott

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 09, 2020 01:45 PM EST

Brad Keselowski (2) makes a pit stop for tires and fuel on lap 196 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Elliott too fast for Hamlin, Logano, Keselowski

By John Nicholson Nov. 08, 2020 07:54 PM EST

Chase Elliott celebrates at the finish line after winning the season championship and a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Elliott drives from back of the field to first NASCAR title

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 08, 2020 03:36 PM EST

FILE- In this Aug. 22, 2020, file photo, Chase Elliott (9) sits in his car during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. Denny Hamlin will be racing for the Cup against Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, as well as Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports. (AP Photo/Jason Minto, File)
NASCAR claims victory in finishing season during pandemic

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 07, 2020 05:06 PM EST

FILE- In this June 30, 2016, file photo, Brad Keselowski, left, and Joey Logano talk in their garage during NASCAR Sprint Cup auto racing practice at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Denny Hamlin will be racing for the Cup against Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, as well as Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Denny Hamlin faces tough field for elusive 1st NASCAR title

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 07, 2020 01:47 PM EST

FILE- In this March 8, 2020, file photo, Denny Hamlin walks out during driver introductions prior to the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Ariz. Hamlin is 0-for-3 in championship chances, his shot at an elusive first NASCAR crown ending just short of the finish line all three times he’s been close. It’s his turn again, without rival Kevin Harvick in his way in Sunday's season finale at Phoenix Raceway. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix

Nov. 07, 2020 01:05 PM EST

Grant Enfinger makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Truck Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway, Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix

Nov. 06, 2020 09:05 PM EST

Jimmie Johnson drives past a banner on the wall at the entrance of turn three during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. NASCAR's nicest guy will run his final race this week and close a remarkable career. Jimmie Johnson's record-tying seven Cup titles are well celebrated, but his charitable work goes less noticed. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation has donated more than $12 million to schools and programs since it launched. (David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier via AP)
Jimmie Johnson leaves indelible mark on and off race track

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 06, 2020 05:54 PM EST

FILE - Bubba Wallace walks away from his damaged car, next to a NASCAR Safety Team member, during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. Wallace has been named the Comcast Community Champion of the Year. The industry award honors NASCAR members for philanthropic efforts. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez, File)
Bubba Wallace, who urged Confederate flag ban, honored

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 06, 2020 11:05 AM EST

Kevin Harvick (4), Brad Keselowski (2) and Alex Bowman (88) cross the starting line to begin a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
Path to NASCAR title clear with Harvick out of the way

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 05, 2020 05:51 PM EST

FILE - Zane Smith (21) celebrates after winning the NASCAR Truck Series auto race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, in this Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, file photo. The underappreciated Truck Series opens NASCAR’s championship weekend with an under the lights Friday night Nov. 6 shootout that could be the most entertaining event at Phoenix Raceway. The path to the winner-take-all finale has been a flat-out demolition derby with two consecutive weeks of wild driving. (AP Photo/Jason Minto, File)
NASCAR Cup Series at Dover

Nov. 05, 2020 11:47 AM EST

Chase Elliott (9) sits in the media room after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, Nov.1, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Luther Jr.)
AUTO RACING: NASCAR finale arrives for final foursome

By The Associated Press Nov. 03, 2020 06:26 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, crew chief Alan Gustafson celebrates in victory lane after Chase Elliot won a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The pressure will be intense for crew chiefs in NASCAR's championship race. There is no practice or qualifying under COVID-19 protocols, so the team leaders must be on top of their game. (AP Photo/Wesley Broome, File)
Crew chiefs feel the heat to be perfect in NASCAR finale

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 03, 2020 03:35 PM EST

Chase Elliott (9) drives during final laps during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, Nov.1, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Luther Jr.)
Elliott races into NASCAR championship; Harvick eliminated

By Jenna Fryer Nov. 01, 2020 06:21 PM EST

FILE - In this June 10, 2020, file photo, Denny Hamlin (11) and Kyle Busch (18) come through a turn during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at in Martinsville, Va. Hamlin's dazzling season could potentially collapse if things go sideways Sunday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR's oldest and shortest track that has been slotted as the final playoff elimination race. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville

Oct. 31, 2020 06:07 PM EDT

FILE - In this June 10, 2020, file photo, Denny Hamlin (11) and Kyle Busch (18) come through a turn during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at in Martinsville, Va. Hamlin's dazzling season could potentially collapse if things go sideways Sunday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR's oldest and shortest track that has been slotted as the final playoff elimination race. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Martinsville set for high-stakes Sunday in NASCAR playoffs

By Jenna Fryer Oct. 31, 2020 03:58 PM EDT