Denny Hamlin (Left) - Image Credit: Taj Falconer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Michael Jordan (Right) - Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Denny Hamlin (Left) - Image Credit: Taj Falconer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Michael Jordan (Right) - Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Making predictions or challenging your rival is nothing new in NASCAR. But what happens when the challenge ages badly? NBA legend and 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan found that out firsthand as a pre-season joke involving his 23XI business partner Denny Hamlin did not go well.
The end of 2025 was one of the most terrible times for Hamlin. He lost the crucial title-deciding race to Kyle Larson at Phoenix, costing him a potential first NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
After a trying offseason, his 23XI team co-owner challenged him about the upcoming 2026 season back in February during a pre-season team meeting.
NASCAR Teambesitzer MICHAEL JORDAN beobachtet das Training seiner Teams während des NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race auf dem Phönix Raceway in Avondale, AZ, Avondale, Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika, Nordamerika NASCAR team owner, MICHAEL JORDAN, watches his teams practice during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, AZ, Avondale, United States of America Copyright: imageBROKER/StephenxArce/Grindst ibxiqx12960019.jpg Bitte beachten Sie die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen des deutschen Urheberrechtes hinsichtlich der Namensnennung des Fotografen im direkten Umfeld der Veröffentlichung
NASCAR Teambesitzer MICHAEL JORDAN beobachtet das Training seiner Teams während des NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race auf dem Phönix Raceway in Avondale, AZ, Avondale, Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika, Nordamerika NASCAR team owner, MICHAEL JORDAN, watches his teams practice during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, AZ, Avondale, United States of America Copyright: imageBROKER/StephenxArce/Grindst ibxiqx12960019.jpg Bitte beachten Sie die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen des deutschen Urheberrechtes hinsichtlich der Namensnennung des Fotografen im direkten Umfeld der Veröffentlichung
After his win at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, his fourth of the season, Hamlin recalled the moment. He said (via Motorsport.com):
"I'll never forget Michael, when he addressed 23XI in the off-season, he says, ‘What I'm interested to see is what does Denny do.’ He said, ‘After what happened in Phoenix, you either pick yourself up and you respond, or you fold. We'll find out.'"
Hamlin's reply after his third consecutive win on Sunday?
"He's finding out."
After 17 races, the No. 11 JGR Toyota driver is currently second in the drivers' championship and has been steadily cutting down the points gap to 23XI's Tyler Reddick in first. After Pocono, the gap stands at 19 points.
Denny Hamlin Praises JGR's Efforts After Three Consecutive Wins
A driver cannot win the races alone; it takes a lot of effort from the team to do so. This is something Denny Hamlin is well aware of.
After getting three consecutive wins for the first time in his 21-year Cup career, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver praised his team for their efforts so far this season.
"Just so happy for this whole Joe Gibbs Racing team," said Hamlin. "This is a team effort. They’ve given me fast cars. The pit crew is flawless right now, we’ve just got it all going."
He further added how the team has been in the best form of the season.
"I’d say it’s certainly the best we’ve been. We come to the race track every week knowing that we’ve got a great shot to win. The team is doing an amazing job knowing exactly what I need in the car every week, and that’s why we’re winning.”
This win at Pocono not only marked his eighth victory at the track, but also took him past the late two-time NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch on the all-time win list with 64.
What started as a challenge from Michael Jordan has turned out to be good fuel for Hamlin and his No. 11 JGR squad as they continue to chase the first Cup championship for the 45-year-old.
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Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco
Edited by
Yash Kotak