Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has publicly stated that his patience is running out as the team prepares for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. With expectations set high, Hamlin is making it clear that meeting 23XI Racing expectations for 2026 means pushing drivers to secure more wins and consistently compete at the front.
Hamlin Calls for Increased Performance and Results
Appearing before the media at Bowman Gray Stadium ahead of the Cook Out Clash, Denny Hamlin addressed the team’s struggles with blunt honesty. Citing ongoing issues, he stressed that simply having fast cars is not sufficient—converting speed into victories during Sunday races is what truly counts. Hamlin’s message was especially pointed toward his experienced drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, as he stated:
“We expect our cars to run, and certainly the more experienced guys. And Tyler and Bubba, you know, they need to be competing for race wins more often as well,”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner
The frank comments came after a mixed 2025 season. Bubba Wallace delivered a major highlight by winning the Brickyard 400 and achieving some strong finishes, but ultimately did not advance deep into the playoffs. Tyler Reddick, who had previously reached the Championship 4, failed to secure a win all season. As a result, Hamlin and fellow co-owner Michael Jordan are emphasizing the need for a far more assertive effort toward victory in 2026. The message from the team’s leadership is now unmistakable—they expect nothing less than regular contention for wins and playoff runs.
Heightened Expectations for Rookie Riley Herbst
The call for improvement extends beyond veteran drivers. Hamlin also turned his attention to Riley Herbst, who endured a tough debut season in the #35 car, finishing without a single top-10 in 2025. Hamlin’s comments signaled that both the team and Herbst need to raise their game this coming year:
“Well, we got to see better performance for sure. I think that certainly you know where the 35 was running last year was just not up to what we had expected. But we have signed a multi-year agreement with Riley because we want to see where it goes in the second year. And certainly I want to see, you know, gains in performance, it needs to be challenging inside the you know top 10, top 15,”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner
The organization’s investment in Herbst is clear with the new multi-year contract, but the stated goal is significant improvement. Herbst, who ended his rookie campaign outside the top 30 in the standings, is under pressure to turn his fortunes around. 23XI Racing’s leadership has framed 2026 as both a development opportunity and a critical year to demonstrate tangible progress on the track.
Setting High Standards for the 2026 Season
Entering the new season, Hamlin is making no secret of a more direct, demanding approach from 23XI’s leadership. The organization has increased investment, attracted fresh sponsors, and strengthened its lineup, making their expectations clear. Every car in the stable must not only compete each week but also push for victories and playoff berths. Hamlin’s remarks underscore an ambitious culture shift from the top down, impacting veterans like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, rising talents such as Riley Herbst, and the entire race team.
The mounting pressure reflects the challenges facing 23XI Racing as they strive to establish themselves among the elite organizations in NASCAR. With a mix of experienced drivers, new sponsorships, and heightened scrutiny, all eyes will be on whether the team can rise to meet their stated goals. The outcome of the 2026 season could have significant implications for the future direction of the team, its leadership, and the careers of its drivers, as the pursuit of meeting 23XI Racing expectations for 2026 drives every turn going forward.
