As the countdown to the 2025 NASCAR season heats up, the unveiling of new paint schemes is a moment of excitement for fans eager to see how their favorite teams and sponsors will shine on the racetrack. But this year, 23XI Racing—a team known for bold and eye-catching designs—has found itself in hot water with fans who are less than impressed with the simplicity of their latest liveries.
A departure from the bold and beautiful?
23XI Racing, co-owned by NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, has built a reputation for striking designs that blend their unique brand identity with their sponsors’ imagery. Past hits, like the Jordan Brand, Monster Energy, and McDonald’s liveries, were fan favorites that stood out on the track. However, the recently unveiled paint schemes for Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 car and Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 car have sparked backlash for their minimalist approach.
The No. 23 car, sponsored by Leidos, features a predominantly white body with simple purple accents and branding. Meanwhile, the No. 45 car, sporting the Jordan Brand, adopts a similar white base with understated black and red touches for the logo and car number. The designs have been criticized as “bland” and “uninspired” by fans who expected more from a team with a reputation for creative excellence.
Hamlin defends the designs but surprises fans with his tone
Denny Hamlin, known for his candid and often polarizing comments, took to social media to address the backlash. On X (formerly Twitter), Hamlin explained the rationale behind the minimalist approach:
“We try to keep it simple and sleek. Busy cars don’t show up on racetracks but look great in renderings.”
Hamlin’s reasoning highlights a practical consideration in NASCAR design—simple schemes often perform better visually on TV and in person at high speeds. However, fans weren’t entirely convinced. One user responded:
“I think most of us fans, especially of you and 23XI, would have to respectfully disagree.”
To the surprise of many, Hamlin replied in an unusually measured tone:
“That’s okay. I respect the people’s opinion as well.”
This uncharacteristic acknowledgment stood out, given Hamlin’s history of delivering sharp comebacks, especially to critics.
Fan frustration and expectations collide
The dissatisfaction from fans stems from a combination of high expectations and the perceived blandness of the new designs. For a team that has previously delivered showstoppers on the track, the new paint jobs feel like a missed opportunity to some.
One fan summed up the sentiment:
“The cars don’t have the wow factor we’ve come to expect from 23XI. These schemes feel like placeholders, not statements.”
Will simplicity pay off?
While the backlash is loud, the minimalist approach could still pay off. In NASCAR, cars are seen at high speeds and from a distance, where overly busy designs can become visually cluttered. A sleek, simple look might prove more distinctive during races.
However, in an era where fan engagement is key to a team’s branding and sponsor relationships, the response from 23XI’s supporters could prompt the team to rethink its approach in the future.
What’s next for 23XI Racing?
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the No. 23 and No. 45 cars—not just for their designs but for their on-track performance. If Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick deliver strong results, the aesthetics may take a backseat to the bigger picture of competitive success.
For now, Hamlin’s surprisingly measured response to fan criticism marks a rare moment of understanding in the often fiery world of NASCAR social media. Whether 23XI Racing doubles down on simplicity or opts for a splashier approach in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: fans will be watching closely.
