Hamlin recalls Jordan conversation before NASCAR – Sports News
Denny Hamlin has opened up on a pivotal conversation with Michael Jordan that finally led to the creation of 23XI Racing.
23XI Racing has made a sturdy begin to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, with its origins traced back to an initial misunderstanding that helped spark its formation. Hamlin revealed during an look on CBS Mornings that he and Jordan finally agreed to co-found the staff following a conversation that developed from a false story about a potential collaboration.
“I saw an article that wasn’t true,” Hamlin stated. “Says Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan need to buy a NASCAR staff… I noticed the article, despatched it to him. He says, ‘Not real, but if you want to make it real, let me know.’” Meanwhile Jordan has revealed why he has never driven a NASCAR stock car.
Hamlin and Jordan had maintained a friendship for roughly a decade before ultimately deciding to join forces in motorsport. ‘We had had a friendship for 10-12 years and I thought owning a NASCAR team was the right move for me” stated the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. “I just needed the right partner. I presented him the opportunity and he said ‘I am in’.”
23XI Racing was co-founded in 2020 and takes its name from the combination of Jordan’s No. 23 and Hamlin’s No. 11. The staff started full-time competitors in 2021 with Bubba Wallace as its inaugural driver and the staff has rapidly established itself as a rising pressure within the sport.
Driver Tyler Reddick captured the regular-season championship in 2024 and reached the Championship Four, narrowly lacking out on the title. After a disappointing 2025 season, he rebounded strongly in 2026, profitable 4 of the opening seven races and opening the season with three consecutive victories, a historic first within the Cup Series, to maneuver into the factors lead.
23XI Racing was additionally concerned in a vital off-track development in 2024, becoming a member of Front Row Motorsports in a legal dispute over the operation of NASCAR’s constitution system.
The groups raised issues about how the system was structured, with the case finally concluding in December 2025. The settlement restored their charters and included financial compensation.
Jordan later acknowledged he was ready to exit the game completely during the legal course of if required.
“Oh yeah, I was. Don’t get me wrong, I was nervous” stated Jordan. “The courtroom makes me nervous; that’s not where I want to be really 100%. But I was all in; I was going to win. One way this sport is going to grow is we have to find some synergy between the two entities. And I think we got to that point.”
With momentum building throughout the organisation, 23XI Racing continues to strengthen its place as one of NASCAR’s best groups heading deeper into the season.
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