Defending Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin showed up Wednesday night to attend an Orlando Magic NBA game and help promote the upcoming Daytona Speedweeks, conceding there remains a lot of positive feedback about a special and sentimental move he made a day earlier for one of the sport’s favorite sons. On Tuesday, Hamlin revealed on social media that he will carry his car owner J.D. Gibbs’ first name above the driver door on his #11 FedEx Toyota Camry. Like Gibbs, Hamlin’s initials are J.D. James Dennis. Gibbs’ initials J.D. stand for Jason Dean. Gibbs, a popular and well-liked personality has been sidelined from his once-busy role running the Joe Gibbs Racing team because of health reasons. He has been treated for symptoms affecting his brain function and his welfare is always on the mind of team members. Hamlin reminded that it was actually J.D. that persuaded his famous father, Joe Gibbs, to hire Hamlin and give him a chance in the big leagues.(NASCAR.com)
