JGR’s sponsorship woes for Denny Hamlin may soon vanish in a sea of blue-and-white flair. Progressive Insurance, the $168 billion automotive insurance titan, is reportedly finalizing a deal to sponsor Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 Toyota driven by Hamlin. The move signals a seismic shift for both parties, one desperate for stability, the other expanding its NASCAR footprint beyond TV ads.
The negotiations arrive as JGR scrambles to fill voids left by FedEx and Mavis Tires, which exited after the 2024 season. For Hamlin, the potential partnership could silence speculation about his future amid a rocky start to 2025.
Progressive’s NASCAR Ambitions Zero In on Joe Gibbs Racing
Progressive isn’t new to NASCAR. The Ohio-based firm spent $1.85 million on race-related TV ads in 2024, ranking fourth among sponsors. But team deals have been rare. A 2020 stint with RFK Racing’s Ryan Newman and pit-road branding during The CW’s Xfinity broadcasts mark its limited team involvement—until now.
.@JoeGibbsRacing could be on the verge of filling the No. 11 Toyota's open inventory through a deal with @Progressive insurance. https://t.co/HY9LZGGXZb
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 17, 2025
Sources indicate JGR is the frontrunner, with talks centering on Hamlin’s No. 11 car. The team seeks low-to-mid six-figure sums per race to offset FedEx’s departure. Recent signings like AMPM ($10 million for two races) and National Debt Relief provided stopgaps, but Progressive’s deep pockets offer long-term relief.
The deal would align Progressive with JGR’s competitive resurgence. Christopher Bell’s three straight wins and Chase Briscoe’s Daytona pole highlight the team’s speed. Yet inconsistent sponsorship has overshadowed results, a narrative Progressive aims to flip.
How the Sponsorship Deal Could Cement Denny Hamlin’s JGR Legacy
Hamlin’s No. 11 car became synonymous with FedEx over two decades. Its exit sparked rumors of his potential move to 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns. But Progressive’s involvement could anchor him at JGR, where he’s chasing a first Cup title.
The 44-year-old’s 2025 season mirrors his team’s turbulence—three finishes outside the top 20, juxtaposed with a Phoenix runner-up. Sponsorship security might steady his focus.
“It’s exciting to have a first-time partner come on and be able to showcase their business to our fanbase,” Hamlin said after AMPM’s deal, hinting at optimism for Progressive’s arrival.
Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal states that Progressive aims to include team sponsorship in its marketing portfolio. The firm currently allocates a significant budget for advertising during NASCAR events.
“This has carried on into this year, as it has served as the pit road sponsor for The CW’s fresh coverage of the Xfinity Series,” Stern stated, “Reports suggest that Joe Gibbs Racing is the frontrunner to secure Progressive’s account.”
However, neither JGR nor Progressive have offered any comments regarding the announcement.
For JGR, the partnership isn’t just about logos on a hood. It’s a lifeline in a sport where funding dictates competitiveness. With Bell dominating and Hamlin hungry, Progressive’s gamble could pay dividends on and off the track. Meanwhile, NASCAR watches—a blue-chip brand’s deeper plunge into racing might inspire others to follow.