In an unexpected revelation, Denny Hamlin disclosed that the 23XI Racing original team name 6XI was seriously considered before the NASCAR team adopted its now-iconic brand. The co-founders, which include Hamlin, NBA legend Michael Jordan, and Curtis Polk, initially planned to honor Jordan’s six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls through the team name.
During a recent episode of Hamlin’s podcast, the Cup Series team’s early days were discussed, unveiling how branding concepts evolved in the lead-up to their 2021 debut with Bubba Wallace as the lone driver. The suggestion to use “6XI” intended to nod to the Chicago Bulls’ glory years under Jordan, recognizing his six championship rings and solidifying the basketball connection within motorsports.
“Truth be known, the original name of 23XI Racing was supposed to be 6XI…6 champions.611. They were doing renderings and all this stuff. You know, on all the gear, it was 6XI. 6XI was our team name for a while.”
—Denny Hamlin on the original name for 23XI Racing
The Shift from 6XI to 23XI Racing
The number six was explicitly proposed to represent Michael Jordan’s six major titles with the Bulls. Yet, after discussions among key figures including Hamlin and the ownership group, they decided to opt for “23XI Racing,” directly referencing Jordan’s celebrated jersey number worn throughout his influential NBA tenure in Chicago. This shift provided clearer branding and immediate recognition, rooting the team in sports and pop culture heritage.
The topic of the original team name surfaced in part due to Hamlin’s personal life, as he awaited the birth of his son, whose arrival was significantly overdue. In a coincidental twist, Hamlin jokingly referenced the possibility of his child being born on June 11, further connecting to the numbers and histories woven into the motorsports team’s foundation.
Current Standings and Performance of 23XI Racing
Denny Hamlin, who has become a staple in NASCAR, currently posts strong statistics for 2025, including 494 points, three wins, eight top-ten finishes, seven top-fives, and 455 laps led. Across the Cup Series, 23XI Racing sits with 1,028 points and holds the fourth spot in the owner standings, highlighting the rapid ascent of the organization since its formation by these prominent sports figures.
Legal Uncertainty Surrounding 23XI Racing’s Season
In addition to the team’s naming legacy, 23XI Racing faces challenges off the track. Amid an ongoing antitrust lawsuit targeting NASCAR, both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were recently impacted by a court ruling, barring them from running as chartered teams for the rest of the season. However, Hamlin communicated that the team intends to compete with all three cars while exploring their legal options. Both affected organizations have a 14-day window to file an appeal, after which decisions must be rendered within seven days, leaving the immediate future uncertain for drivers and team members alike.
Significance of Team Branding and Potential Future Developments
The early branding discussions around the 23XI Racing original team name 6XI demonstrate the enduring influence of Michael Jordan’s legacy on the partners and the team’s identity within NASCAR. With leadership from Denny Hamlin and the backing of iconic sports figures, the team continues to blend basketball associations with racing ambitions. While legal proceedings cast a shadow on the rest of the Cup Series season, both the birth of Hamlin’s son and the evolution from “6XI” to “23XI Racing” serve as reminders of how numbers, history, and personal milestones intertwine in the sporting world.
