Denny Hamlin has shared the little-known beginnings of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR partnership with NBA legend Michael Jordan, a collaboration that changed the sport and led to the formation of 23XI Racing. Their joint efforts culminated last week in forcing NASCAR to resolve a major antitrust lawsuit, a landmark moment for all team owners in the series.
Chance Meeting Sparks a New Chapter in Racing
The foundation for 23XI Racing was set when Hamlin met Jordan completely by chance at a Charlotte Hornets game. Recalling the event on the Digital Social Hour podcast, Hamlin described being unexpectedly approached by security during halftime.
“I’m leaving to go to the restroom at halftime. He had his security guys come grab me. He said,
“Hey, Michael would like to meet you”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
What followed was the start of something unique. As Hamlin explained, Jordan quickly showed a deep curiosity for NASCAR that took even Hamlin by surprise.
“From that point on, he got my number, started asking me all these questions about NASCAR. And I’m like, ‘What? Wait a minute. You watch NASCAR?’ He’s like, ‘Dude, I never miss. Every Sunday, I’m sitting in front of a TV watching NASCAR.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Michael Jordan had been passionate about NASCAR since childhood, thanks to his father, who would take him to races when he was just a kid. Their budding friendship moved from the basketball court to regular games of golf, solidifying their bond and building trust.
From Shared Interests to Shared Business Ventures
Capitalizing on their growing friendship, Hamlin suggested that Jordan, through Nike, provide gear for his Joe Gibbs Racing team. The NBA icon agreed, and it wasn’t long before the conversation turned to the idea of owning a team together. That pivotal decision marked the founding of 23XI Racing, which has since become a powerhouse in NASCAR, with their bold moves recently forcing a breakthrough legal settlement for the benefit of every team owner.
Jordan’s Drive to Understand the Sport
As their business relationship deepened, Michael Jordan wanted a firsthand taste of the racing world’s challenges. He asked Hamlin for access to a high-end simulator, like the ones professional Cup Series drivers use to train. Special adjustments were needed to tailor the rig for Jordan’s size, demonstrating the exclusivity and sophistication of racing technology.
Hamlin shared the memorable outcome from this experience:
“He got in it, and he probably lasted 10 minutes, and he’s like, ‘It’s making me shake.’ They had to retrofit him to get in there in the first place. But they did, and he had a blast.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
This session left the Chicago Bulls legend with a new appreciation for the skills required to drive at NASCAR’s top level and deepened his commitment to their partnership.
What the Hamlin-Jordan Alliance Means for NASCAR
The Denny Hamlin NASCAR partnership with Michael Jordan has had profound effects on the sport’s landscape. Their work spearheaded a critical legal victory, paved the way for more inclusive team ownership, and inspired greater collaboration across disciplines. The story of how a friendship born at a basketball game led to one of racing’s most formidable teams highlights the potential for visionary partnerships to drive change, both on the track and behind the scenes.
