Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has opened up about his unique partnership with NBA legend Michael Jordan at 23XI Racing, offering a glimpse into the ownership dynamic that has shaped the NASCAR team since its debut in 2021. While fans might expect Jordan, known for his relentless drive and control on the basketball court, to have a similar approach to team management, Hamlin reveals that Jordan takes a far more hands-off role, placing immense trust in his co-owner.
Despite being the majority owner, Jordan’s involvement in the day-to-day operations of 23XI Racing is limited but impactful. According to Hamlin, the basketball icon is cautious about getting too deeply involved with the team’s management. This approach, however, has proven to be a major asset, as Jordan’s occasional but meaningful participation adds value to the organization without overstepping boundaries.
“If anything, he’s more paranoid about getting too in-depth with the team,” Hamlin shared. “But we try to tell him, it’s well worth it, and his involvement is a big part of why our employees love working for someone like him.”
Contrary to popular belief, Jordan is far from a controlling figure behind the scenes. Instead, he places full trust in Hamlin’s leadership, empowering the three-time Daytona 500 champion to make key decisions without interference. This level of autonomy allows Hamlin to steer the team as he sees fit, with Jordan providing unwavering support.
“You’d think he’d be very controlling, but he’s not,” Hamlin explained. “He really, really trusts me, and every move I want to make, he lets me do it.”
However, with great trust comes great responsibility, and Hamlin admits that carrying the weight of Jordan’s faith can be daunting. With the 23XI Racing brand tied to one of the most iconic athletes in history, the pressure to succeed and live up to Jordan’s winning mentality is immense.
“Even if he doesn’t think that it’s the right move. He says all the time, ‘I ride with you,’” Hamlin revealed. “It puts a lot of pressure on me because I don’t want to let him down, and that’s why I put in the work that I do because I know I’m representing a huge brand, a huge athlete, and someone special in the world we live in. I want to live up to the winning mentality that he’s had his whole life.”
The dynamic between Hamlin and Jordan has clearly been a key ingredient in the team’s rapid rise in NASCAR. While Jordan’s influence may not be felt on a daily basis, his presence and trust in Hamlin have created an environment where both leadership and accountability thrive. As the team continues to grow and push boundaries—including their recent anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR—the partnership between Hamlin and Jordan will undoubtedly remain a driving force behind 23XI Racing’s future success.
