Denny Hamlin has doubled down on his intention to capture a Cup championship, making it clear that his focus in the NASCAR Cup Series is now squarely on winning behind the wheel. Despite his active roles as a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing, Hamlin set aside distractions throughout the latest season, prioritizing his own Denny Hamlin championship ambitions.
Relentless Drive Toward a NASCAR Cup Title
Two years ago, Hamlin declared his sights were firmly set on delivering a Cup championship for the iconic No. 11 team. With the playoffs underway, he deliberately tuned out his outside responsibilities to focus on maximizing his racing performance.
Sharing ownership of 23XI Racing alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan brought added responsibilities, especially as Hamlin navigated dual roles during the 2025 NASCAR Cup season. Despite recently resolving an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, Hamlin continued pushing himself, reaching the Championship 4 and dominating the season finale at Phoenix Raceway by leading a record-breaking number of laps.
On a 2023 appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hamlin clarified just how he managed the balancing act between his racing and his ownership duties:
“I find a way to compartmentalize it. And when I focus on racing and I give myself proper time through the week to put in all the work I need to, it doesn’t leave me any time for anything else,” Denny Hamlin said.
At age 46, Hamlin reinforced that his foremost priority was his career as a driver, pledging full attention to his own on-track goals:
“I am definitely shifting my resources and time more into the driving aspect now, because I have goals. I have long-term goals. I want my team to win a championship, but the closest goal to me right now that is achievable is for me to win a cup championship for myself. So that’s what I need to focus on,” he added.
Competing as a Driver Above All Else
Hamlin’s commitment to his Joe Gibbs Racing team has consistently shone through, especially during race day pressures. For instance, at the hotly contested Cup playoff race held at Kansas Speedway, he commanded 159 laps and appeared poised for a significant victory. On the final lap, he trailed just behind Bubba Wallace—his 23XI driver—attempting a crucial overtake for the win. Unfortunately, a close-quarters battle resulted in Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota making contact with Wallace’s No. 23 car, sending Wallace into the wall and providing Chase Elliott an opportunity to seize the win.
Such moments underscored that, even amidst his ownership responsibilities and relationships on track, Hamlin’s drive to win remains paramount. Recent reports even raised questions about Hamlin’s long-term commitment to his ownership stake; at times, he has appeared willing to distance himself from those extra duties to pursue his championship aspirations fully.
Ownership Rumors and Team Dynamics at 23XI
Hamlin’s journey as a co-founder of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan began in 2020, and the team quickly tasted success when Bubba Wallace took victory at Talladega during its debut 2021 season. Further growth came with Tyler Reddick joining the team’s roster in 2023, highlighting an ambition to expand 23XI’s presence in NASCAR’s upper echelons.
According to details reported by Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, Hamlin—holding a 40% stake in the team—requested that Jordan consider finding a buyer for his share during 2023. This internal discussion reportedly stemmed from disagreements regarding 23XI’s direction. In court, Hamlin clarified that his request resulted from a dispute, characterizing it as part of an ongoing dialogue rather than a conclusive decision to exit.
Narrow Defeat in the Championship Chase
Hamlin’s quest for a title remained tantalizingly out of reach after a dramatic Championship 4 showdown at Phoenix Raceway. In November, Kyle Larson emerged as the victor, claiming the 2025 NASCAR Cup championship in the final race, leaving Hamlin’s hopes just short of fulfillment after a determined and emotional season.
With key competitors like Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick making headlines, and co-owner Michael Jordan invested in the development of 23XI, Hamlin continues to juggle significant responsibilities. The enduring pursuit of Denny Hamlin championship ambitions demonstrates the driver’s determination to prioritize personal achievement in a fiercely competitive sport. As the next season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Hamlin’s focus and drive can propel him to the ultimate NASCAR Cup title he seeks.
🧠 "I find a way to compartmentalize it […] I'm definitely shifting my resources and time more into the driving aspect now." #NASCAR@dennyhamlin balances a lot on his plate, but is fully focused on bringing home that elusive title for @JoeGibbsRacing in 2023 🏆 pic.twitter.com/J43PzGxTQ3
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 1, 2023
