23XI Racing struggles in NASCAR 2025 have drawn intense scrutiny after a string of disappointing results, legal setbacks, and technical failures, most notably for co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. This season, the team’s issues reached a low point at Pocono, where multiple brake failures and early retirements left all entries outside the top 30, sparking emotional and public reflections from Hamlin on the state of the team.
Ongoing Technical Issues Derail Pocono Aspirations
At the latest NASCAR Cup Series event at Pocono, 23XI Racing faced severe setbacks. Riley Herbst and Bubba Wallace both retired during the first stage as a result of brake malfunctions, disrupting any chance at a solid finish. The team‘s remaining entry, Tyler Reddick, was forced to make an unscheduled pit stop for a car inspection, further sapping momentum and effectively removing any of their cars from competitive contention for the rest of the race.
The failures marked another instance of recurring problems that have plagued 23XI Racing, which builds its cars with the support of Joe Gibbs Racing’s technical expertise. Despite this collaboration, the TRD-affiliated teams continue to struggle with brake rotor issues — a challenge that has confounded both drivers and management, especially considering the similar equipment used by both teams. Through the difficulties, co-owner Denny Hamlin openly voiced his concerns and confusion.

“I don’t know what’s going on over there, but typically when JGR doesn’t have brake issues, 23XI does and I don’t know why. I wish I could give you more insight on it. They obviously all three had brake issues and we’ve got to figure that out. They had things going very well, but it’s painful right now.”
—Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental
Hamlin, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing himself, remains perplexed at why his own team is hit harder than JGR by these technical problems. He observed that, at Pocono, while his JGR Toyota was among the top performers, every 23XI entry suffered costly failures. The situation placed Hamlin in an uncomfortable position, as he was left comparing two organizations sharing extensive technical knowledge but achieving drastically different results.
“No. I’m looking at 23XI versus JGR saying, ‘What the hell.’ That’s what I’m looking at. I can’t compare different manufacturers, different stuff. I can compare what I know our resources are and I can’t say it’s speed.”
—Denny Hamlin
Performance Potential Undercut by Persistent Setbacks
Despite optimism following promising practice sessions, 23XI Racing’s qualifying and race performance quickly unraveled at Pocono and other recent weekends. According to Hamlin, both the No. 23 and No. 45 cars showed competitive pace in practice, suggesting a strong race was possible. Instead, unpredictable factors — especially mechanical failures — turned race days into ongoing trials for the drivers and crew. These issues often arise not from lack of speed or preparation, but rather cascading obstacles that disrupt any momentum from the opening lap onwards.
“Maybe a little bit of it is speed, but both our cars were good in practice. The 23 was going to qualify well, the 45 did qualify well. It’s just other stuff. They cannot put together races. Like, from green to checkered. It’s not one person or one thing.”
—Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s remarks emphasize that the root of 23XI Racing’s misfortunes is not easily isolated, and he stresses that multiple, intersecting issues have prevented the team from executing a full, trouble-free event. The result is a mounting sense of frustration, particularly as the team repeatedly comes close to successes, only to have them slip away due to technical missteps largely outside the drivers’ control.
Legal Defeats Add to Tumultuous Start for 23XI Racing in 2025
The on-track struggles for 23XI Racing have been compounded by difficulties off the track, notably in the form of consecutive losses in court related to NASCAR’s charter lawsuit. These legal setbacks have added another layer of challenge for owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, intensifying the pressure as they strive to steady the team amidst a tumultuous season.
The combination of legal, technical, and performance challenges has tested the organizational resolve at 23XI Racing, amplifying public scrutiny and internal urgency as they look for solutions.
Bubba Wallace’s Improved Approach Draws Praise Amidst Adversity
In previous seasons, race weekends marred by poor results would often see Bubba Wallace struggle personally, with visible frustration and self-criticism affecting team dynamics. This year, however, Hamlin has noticed a significant change: Wallace has adapted his attitude, opting for resilience and positivity despite repeated misfortune, earning strong public approval from his team leader.
“Mechanicals just killed the 23 this week. Other people’s wrecks have killed the 23 over the last few weeks. Nothing he’s doing. What I really appreciate is Bubba Wallace’s attitude. I mean, a 180. Weeks like this, it would have to be full therapy mode in past years.”
—Denny Hamlin
This shift has not only helped Wallace personally, but has also influenced the larger organization by allowing the team to focus on fixing technical weaknesses rather than managing emotional fallout. According to Hamlin, this change has made it easier for engineers and crew to concentrate on problem-solving and preparing competitive cars each race weekend.
“But I really appreciate [his attitude]. It makes it so much easier for us to fix these problems while we’re not trying to fix an attitude problem as well. It just makes it easier. It’s on us to step up for him, at this point.”
—Denny Hamlin
The transformation in Wallace’s demeanor is partly attributed to personal milestones off the track. Becoming a father this year has reportedly grounded him, bringing new perspective and allowing him to handle adversity with greater stability. This personal growth has shifted some of the responsibility for improvement back to the team infrastructure, motivating Hamlin and the crew to support their driver more effectively.
What Lies Ahead for 23XI Racing in a Critical Season
The ongoing saga of 23XI Racing struggles in NASCAR 2025 continues to test everyone involved, from Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin to the drivers, crew, and the organization’s technical partners at Joe Gibbs Racing. As they approach the heart of the Cup Series season, the team faces urgent questions about resolving persistent mechanical failures, overcoming legal distractions, and translating moments of promise in practice and qualifying into actual race day results.
With public accountability and emotional candor from leadership, and a new team culture spearheaded by drivers like Bubba Wallace, there is still potential for 23XI Racing to overcome their early-season turmoil. The next rounds will determine if technical fixes, improved morale, and focused management can finally deliver on the promise that Hamlin, Jordan, Tyler Reddick, and the 23XI operation believe the team holds for the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series year.