Hamlin to Drive Rockwell Automation Chevrolet in 2005

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., (Nov. 18, 2004) - Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that it has hired Denny Hamlin to drive the No. 20 Rockwell Automation / JGR Chevrolet for the 2005 season. Hamlin, in addition to running for the Busch Series Championship and Rookie of the Year, will be a teammate with J.J. Yeley in the No. 18 Vigoro/Home Depot Chevrolet.

"I am really excited for next year," Hamlin said. "I am looking forward to working with Steve (Addington) and learning a lot from him especially at the preseason tests. I think once we get on the same page, we have a shot at winning some races and running up front. In the past, you never thought of rookies winning Busch races, but Martin (Truex) and Kyle (Busch) kind of broke the mold on that."

"It is flattering that two outstanding organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing and Rockwell Automation would take an interest in me. Both are first class and their reputations speak for themselves. I look forward to representing them well and being a part of this great team."

Hamlin spent most of the last two season racing in regional Late Model races. He has amassed an impressive two year run that includes 54 wins, 57 poles & 70 top-five finishes in just 83 starts. Hamlin made his truck series debut at IRP where he qualified 7th and finished 10th . Last weekend, he made his Busch Series Debut at Darlington Raceway where he drove from the 23rd starting position (qualifying rained out) to an 8th place finish.

"Denny is a new talent who has a ton of potential," commented J.D. Gibbs, President of Joe Gibbs Racing. "Under the direction of veteran Crew Chief Steve Addington, this team has the ability to put together wins and run for a Busch Series Championship in the future. 2005 will be a big season for our Busch Program. We will run two full-time teams and have Bobby Labonte in a handful of races. In addition, we are moving our Busch Shop to a new 80,000 square foot facility 200 yards from our Cup Shop."

"I would like to thank Mike Bliss for all that he has done for our program. His win at Charlotte was the first for our Busch Program since 2001 and his hard work has brought a continued excitement back to the shop. He has represented Rockwell Automation extremely well and helped build their program. We wish him the best in the future."